Hydration and Physical Fitness

What are hydration drinks? We have all seen these beverages advertised and on store shelves, but what can they do that plain old water can’t? Here are some reasons why you should consider trying a hydration beverage to your next workout!

Hydration for the body

Being hydrated means having a sufficient amount of fluid in your body so that all bodily processes can function successfully.

Good hydration allows your body to do what it must in order for you to stay healthy and, well, alive. Among the many systems that good hydration is crucial to are:

• Regulation of body temperature
• Digestion
• Absorption of nutrients
• Bones, joints, and muscle function
• Delivery of nutrients to cells all over the body
• Blood flow and cellular function
• Cognition
• Organ function

Yes, from digesting that ham sandwich you ate for lunch to studying for your chemistry exam, staying hydrated is imperative to nearly all aspects of your health and proper functioning.

But rest assure, eating a ham sandwich or studying for an exam aren’t really dehydrating activities. Exercise and spending long periods of time in hot conditions are the most likely activities that will deplete your body of fluids.

This doesn’t mean that those activities are frowned upon of course. It is recommended that you exercise for 30 minutes, 3-5 times per week.

Fitness Hydration Tips

The best way to hydrate yourself during exercise is to consume around 1 liter (approximately 34 oz) per hour of strenuous physical activity, taking it in small amounts at regular intervals.

Make sure to take a somewhat longer sip before you begin and after you are done, as well.

Using hydrating beverages high in electrolytes is also a good idea when doing intense physical activity and/or in hot conditions.  

Electrolytes are minerals such as potassium, calcium, sodium, magnesium, and chloride. They are needed for proper nerve function, muscle contractions, bone development, blood pressure control, maintaining a proper heartbeat, and many more essential processes.

So how do electrolytes keep you hydrated? Well in addition to the essential functions mentioned above, electrolytes are responsible for fluid balance within the body. They ensure that enough fluid goes to the right place at the right time. This is imperative for the body to function properly.

Everyday Vitamins & Minerals

Not all hydration beverages are created the same. Some of them, such as Orgen’s very own Electro-Plus, also offer your daily intake of vitamins and minerals.

A hydration beverage that contains all of your everyday vitamins and minerals can eliminate the need to take an extra multivitamin supplement. Some vitamins and antioxidants also help to boost physical energy, so consuming them during a workout may help improve your performance.

Electro Plus

As far as hydration beverages go, Electro-Plus is a great way to obtain optimal hydration for sports performance. The electrolytes, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants make it one of the top hydration drinks for runners, too.

Check out our Electro-Plus product page for more nutrition info!