dehydrationWhat You Need to Know
Silent but Deadly
More than just dry lips, dehydration has serious—potentially fatal consequences.
Tangible symptoms start to manifest with as little as a 2% loss in body moisture. These symptoms can range from thirst and absent-mindedness to more worrying issues like headaches, convulsions, and even death.¹
Why Regular Hydration Options Are Not Enough
While water and sports drinks are common go-to options for rehydration, they both suffer from significant flaws.
While water can replace lost fluids, it lacks the necessary electrolytes to restore true balance to a depleted body. Meanwhile, sports drinks can potentially do both, but they are typically loaded with unhealthy amounts of sugars, sodium, and calories.
Dehydration and Electrolytes What’s the Big Deal?
Our bodies constantly lose fluids on a daily basis through processes like sweating and respiration. Along with these fluids, essential electrolytes like potassium and magnesium are also removed from the body.
When we lose fluids to the point of dehydration, the levels of electrolytes in our bodies can drop below a sufficient level, causing issues like lethargy, muscle weakness, cramping, and cardiac arrest.
References:
¹Nakano, S. (1999). Sports medicine science, Chapter 2, Function of body fluids and blood, p. 40. Partially modified and with a reference to Adolph, E. F. (1947). Physiology of man in the desert. p. 191. Hafner Publishing Company, New York.