May 16, 2016
Connie’s story is one in which we can all relate. The fatigue she felt early that cold January morning led to chills, headache, muscle aches, and a fever. Her Naturopathic physician confirmed she indeed had a bad case of influenza. To help Connie’s body swiftly recover, her doctor recommended various treatments like rest, immune boosting herbs, a homeopathic remedy, and hydrotherapy. But of all the treatments recommended, increasing water and electrolyte intake was the most important.
What are Electrolytes?
Electrolytes are minerals that allow charged impulses to move throughout the body. These electrical impulses permit communication between cells, especially in the muscular and nervous systems. Common electrolytes include sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and chloride. Humans rely on diet for adequate electrolyte intake since we do not produce them on our own.
Why Electrolytes Matter
Proper electrolyte balance regulates tissue and cell hydration, nerve and muscle function, pH levels, blood pressure and the rebuilding of damaged tissue. Our muscles and neurons are reliant upon the movement of electrolytes in and out of cells.[i]
When ill, your body needs more fluids than normal to clear toxins and to replace the water and electrolyte levels lost during fevers, vomiting or diarrhea.
Increasing water and electrolyte intake also becomes considerably more important during exercise. In fact, decline in athletic performance has been detected in only 2% of water loss. In other words, if you are exercising while mildly dehydrated, you are likely to experience reduced endurance, fatigue, altered body temperature regulation, and even decreased motivation.[ii]
What Else Can Dehydration Cause?
Not consuming enough water and electrolytes could be causing more issues than you realize. Even mild dehydration can produce headaches, constipation, dizziness, dry skin, fatigue, and muscle cramps--just to name a few.[iii]
Not All Water is Created Equal
In fact, drinking distilled or reverse osmosis water (water stripped of all electrolytes) could be doing more harm than good. According to an article published by the World Health Organization, studies show that low levels of water magnesium are directly related to cardiovascular disease, especially sudden death from CVD. The article explains:
In addition to an increased risk of sudden death, it has been suggested that intake of water low in magnesium may be associated with a higher risk of motor neuronal disease, pregnancy disorders (so-called preeclampsia), sudden death in infants. Recent studies suggest that the intake of soft water, i.e. water low in calcium, is associated with a higher risk of fracture in children, certain neurodegenerative 159 diseases, pre-term birth and low weight at birth. [iv]
So not only is electrolyte water important to drink while recovering from the flu or during exercise, but adding electrolytes back to water is also crucial to certain disease prevention.
What If You Can’t Stand Drinking Plain Old Water?
Jigsaw Health’s Electrolyte Supreme is the perfect, tasty solution for people who don’t enjoy drinking water or for those looking to enhance the water they already consume. Electrolyte Supreme delivers 15 electrolytes and vitamins your body craves. The quality and form of a supplement matters, and it matters a lot. Jigsaw Health is adamant about using high quality, bioavailable forms of vitamins and minerals to ensure maximum absorption.
Unlike popular sport drinks, Jigsaw Health’s Electrolyte Supreme does not contain any sugar or artificial colors. It is gluten, dairy, soy, MSG, and calorie free. Plus, it tastes great! So ditch that old sports drink and refuel with a drink that gives your body what it really needs--electrolytes!
[i]Nordqvist, Christian. “What Are Electrolytes? What Causes Electrolyte Imbalance?”. Medical News Today. 17 Feb 2016. Web. 16 May 2016.
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/153188.php
[ii]Popkin BM, D’Anci KE, Rosenberg IH.Water, hydration and health.Nutr Rev2010,68,439–458. doi:10.1111/j.1753-4887.2010.00304.x[PMC free article][PubMed]
[iii] “Dehydration: Symptoms.” Mayo Clinic. Web. 16 May 2016.
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dehy...
[iv] Kozisek, Frantisek. “Health Risks from Drinking Demineralised Water”. World Health Organization. National Institute of Public Health. Czech Republic. Web.16 May 2016. http://www.who.int/water_sanitation_health/dwq/nu...
