Electrolytes! The What and the Why.

Electrolytes! 

What? 

Electrolytes are minerals that enhance the absorption of fluid into your cells. As athletes, we are mostly concerned with muscle cells. 

The four most important electrolytes to an athletes ability to hydrate are Sodium, Potassium, Calcium and Magnesium. These can absolutely be found in food. Your body can utilize food sources of electrolytes the most efficiently. BUT......when it's hot, humid, when we are involved in an endurance event,  if we are rebounding from an illness, or if we are training and competing at altitude, our hydration and electrolyte needs are higher. For this reason I would recommend a supplement. The following supplements are the one I recommend the most: Nuun Electrolyte tablets, Salt Stick Electrolyte Capsules, UCAN Hydration, and Base Salt.  

Why?

Your muscles are made mostly of water and keeping that water within the cells of your muscles will enable you to increase speed, improve power and increase endurance. Electrolytes are responsible for "pumping" water into your cells. The take water molecules and assist in the absorption into muscle cells and also ensure that your muscle cells hold on to that water for a longer period of time.

Who doesn't want to run faster, lift heavier and go longer!  

All of these supplements are good choices but they are all for different reasons, events and have different methods of delivery. It's important to speak with a Sports Dietitian to discuss which ones to use in different settings.