It’s no secret that Florida summers are a thing of legend. With temps regularly hitting the 90s from July to September, one false move could send even the healthiest of humans to the E.R. for fluids and heat exhaustion. So, most plan accordingly by drinking a lot of water, maybe even a sports drink, and limiting exposure as much as possible. But what if that isn’t enough? Better yet, what if we could improve our water, remove the sugary or fake sweetener filled sports drinks that are often more trouble than they’re worth, and still get to enjoy the sun and shore? There is a way! Electrolytes can be summer’s saving grace. A simple scoop or packet of mineral rich powder can be the difference in a fun filled day at the beach and a splitting headache, nausea and extreme fatigue. Let’s explore why something as simple, cheap and clean as electrolytes may be the answer to summer’s dark side.
It’s all About Hydration
8 glasses of water per day. Yuck. We’ve all heard it, read it, and (tried) to accomplish it. So, why is it so hard to drink that much water every day? There are a few reasons.
- Most water, especially from tap, is not clean and thus does not taste very good. Yes, water should have a minimal, mineralized taste that is subtle, yet noticeable. Unfortunately, unless specified, most water is either contaminated (tap), or stripped of its minerals (filtered). One option to remedy this dilemma is spring/glacial/volcanic waters. The latter are great options but often cost more and can be much harder to find.
- The pure stuff is dead. Dead water is a term coined to describe the state of most all purified waters. It’s filtered to death. This isn’t inherently a bad thing, considering the pollution that exists in most every freshwater source on earth. However, humans cannot fully sustain optimal hydration without the key minerals that the purification process removes, and almost never returns. This is why it’s hard to feel fully hydrated after drinking a lot of dead water. It’s not actually hydrating the cells, just making you pee.
- We want it to taste good, and plain water doesn’t taste that good. Even the cleanest options often don’t have enough flavor to make them truly sought after. Lucky for us though, there is an answer.
The Electrolyte Solution
With all that being said, how do electrolytes make up for this water problem? Well, by solving each of the above issues in one simple solution. Electrolytes can help alkalize often acidic tap or filtered water via remineralization. They also add back all the essential electrolyte minerals, calcium, magnesium, potassium, and sodium, to the purified water options that we are all drinking. This can save thousands of dollars on purification systems that cost more because they remineralize the tap water in a house. Often for less than a dollar per day electrolytes can be added in to a drink and don’t have to be bothered with until the next day. And finally, they taste good, and sometimes great! Nowadays, most companies have absolutely nailed the flavoring systems in these products so that consumers enjoy drinking their electrolytes. Electrolytes can also be diluted or concentrated to a person’s liking. This makes it very easy to meet almost anyone’s taste preferences. 
Why These Minerals Matter
Magnesium, potassium, sodium and calcium are the cornerstone minerals that make up 99% of electrolyte formulas on the market. These minerals are absolutely essential for human life. Furthermore, because of poor diets and high incidence of blood pressure issues, most people do not get nearly enough of these. Especially magnesium and potassium. Over 80% of the population has insufficient magnesium levels. Magnesium also helps the body spare or better utilize its potassium. And an active individual can lose 1-2 grams of sodium per hour of exercise or exertion! Calcium, to its credit, is the most essential electrolyte controlling every muscular contraction that takes place. Their importance cannot be over
emphasized. For folks that worry about too much extra sodium in their diet with the use of electrolytes, don’t worry. Many brands offer lower sodium options that still offer excellent hydration capability. Without these minerals, water simply does not truly hydrate cells. It makes a great rinse for our digestive system but will not give humans optimal functionality. Most muscle cramps, headaches, muscle twitches, dry mouths, skin and eyes, slow circulation (especially in the heat) and even sluggish bowel movements can be improved simply by adding a serving of electrolytes every day. If you exercise or work in the heat or relax in this Florida sun (which is basically an exercise all its own), you must rehydrate with electrolytes due to the sheer volume of loss with sweat and exertion.
It Really is This Simple
Staying hydrated and functional in the summer heat truly is achievable with a few minor tweaks. Not over exerting, monitoring the body’s warning signs, and staying hydrated. Adding electrolytes to this mix helps fight off and recover from that exertion, protects the body’s vital systems, and keeps us nice and hydrated. Turn off the tap, put down the dead water, and go pick up a packet or canister of electrolytes today so that you can fully enjoy the beautiful Florida summer.
Adam Chauncey, CN, CHC