Winter is probably the time we think about hydration the least, but in fact, it is when we need to think about it the most. The weather is cold, we feel less thirsty, and our instinct to drink water is diminished when compared to the hot summer months. But even if you are drinking the traditionally prescribed 8 glasses of water a day, it doesn’t necessarily mean you’re hydrated. To many people, the term hydration refers to water, but that is not enough when it comes to hydration on a cellular level.
A common belief is that you only need to replace electrolytes — which are minerals like magnesium, potassium, and sodium — after an intense and sweaty workout. Every cell in our body requires fluid to function properly. In order to maintain a balance between water inside and outside the cells, the body relies on electrolytes which regulate osmotic pressure and control fluid levels in each cell. “Hydration is very different from cellular hydration”, says nutrition expert, Sarah Wragge. “We can drink 3-4 liters of water everyday, which is what I recommend, but you need to add minerals to hydrate at a cellular level.”
“We lose water all day through sweat, urination, and even breathing, and in that process we also lose essential electrolytes and minerals.” Adds Sarah, “Our habits are very dehydrating. Things like coffee, sugar, alcohol, and all the fun foods we love are very depleting. Not to mention our food is no longer mineral rich because of modern farming processes and pesticides. We need to hydrate to replenish not just water, but minerals too.” Sarah has just introduced her own mineral replenishing supplement, Restore.
This is where hydration and sports drinks come in to play, but we need to be careful that those are not dehydrating as well. Gatorade and a number of others on the market have a mineral depleting level of sugar caused by the body’s inflammatory reaction when too much is consumed. It takes magnesium from our muscles and calcium from our bones to neutralize the acidity, and balance blood sugar and Ph levels. Dehydration affects not only physical, but mental performance as well. Fatigue, headaches, brain fog, and cravings for sugar and salt are common symptoms.
So with all the hydration and sports drinks on the market, how do you which one to choose? It comes down to your hydration situation. Whether you’re training for a marathon, sweating it out in hot yoga, or grinding on a work project, there are times when you need more of one mineral supplement than another. Different situations require different hydration. After a very intense workout for example, sodium is going to be more critical, whereas other minerals like magnesium and calcium are great for a mental boost.
We asked Sarah to select her favorite hydration supplements (in addition to her own), “SWW Approved”, for any situation. All have no sugar added:
HIGH INTENSITY TRAINING:
LMNT
With 1000 mg of sodium, more than any electrolyte drink out there, LMNT is made for high-intensity activity, and hot and humid conditions. The most common usage is first thing in the morning, and about 30 mins prior to a workout — because when it comes to replacing lost electrolytes, preparing ahead of time is much better than chasing them afterward.
EVERYDAY STRESS & RECOVERY:
SWW RESTORE
Daily stressors and nutrient-depleted foods leave our bodies lacking essential electrolytes and minerals. Decrease cravings, combat bloating, enhance recovery after exercise, and relax before bed.
BRAIN BOOST:
MOON JUICE MINI DEW
Mini Dew™ is 2 in 1: electrolytes + minerals for hydration and brain function. This watermelon flavored powder is enhanced with ionic trace minerals to give the body the elements it needs to feel good and energized. Chelated essential minerals boost cognitive performance and help reduce brain fog.
GUT HYDRATION & ANTI-STRESS:
CLEVR SUPER TEAS
A hydrating cold brew of botanical teas, crisp coconut water, and sunny fruit nectars — plus probiotics and adaptogens to keep you cool, calm, and quenched.
ALL DAY PEAK PERFORMANCE:
LAIRD SUPERFOOD HYDRATE
Transform your glass of water into a coconut-powered supercharge. Two simple ingredients pack a punch in HYDRATE coconut water. Lock in the delicious hydration of coconuts, while adding an extra boost of calcium from Aquamin.
READ MORE SARAH WRAGGE NUTRITION & WELLNESS STORIES:
