Beauty
Are electrolytes the key to hydration?
It seems that electrolytes are the wellness word of the moment! With summer right around the corner, it's evident that these minerals are extremely beneficial for our everyday health struggles, often associated with dehydration. Learn why it's the perfect time to make the switch to electrolytes!
To be properly hydrated, our cells don't just need water. They need an electrical charge to regulate the body's vital chemical reactions. This is where electrolytes come in. Electrolytes are a mixture of minerals (calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium, chlorine, phosphate, etc.) with an electrical charge that the body needs. They enable water to be transported into the cells and help to maintain the balance between fluids inside and outside the cells to regulate the nervous system and muscles, maintain pH levels and thus maintain optimum hydration.
In short, electrolytes help to :
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Balance fluids and fix hydration levels thanks to sodium and potassium, which facilitate the passage of water through the skin to ensure balanced hydration levels.
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Promote muscle recovery and maintain healthy muscle function.
- Maintain a healthy nervous system, good mental health and quality sleep.
When should electrolytes be taken?
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Daily or as a long-term treatment: to rehydrate the body which has lost water during the night, but also to protect against signs of dehydration, such as cramps, headaches, concentration problems, muscle weakness, the feeling of always being thirsty or digestive problems.
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Before or after working out: to increase stamina and prevent dehydration during physical effort, to help muscles contract properly (with less cramp and soreness) and so aid recovery.
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In the summer: to protect against dehydration and replenish electrolytes lost during 'excessive sweating'.
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During periods of stress, anxiety or illness: stress and anxiety deplete potassium, an electrolyte essential for the proper functioning of the nervous system, cognitive health and mood (in combination with magnesium). What's more, when you're ill, you can lose a lot of fluids.
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When travelling: to protect against the risk of dehydration caused by air travel due to the high altitude and low humidity in the cabin.
- After an evening out before going to bed: to avoid dehydration caused by alcohol consumption, a known diuretic.
It benefits the skin by contributing to the normal formation of collagen thanks to vitamin C, and protecting cells against oxidative stress as well as maintaining normal cognitive function thanks to zinc. It also helps reduce fatigue and contributes to a normal energy metabolism and maintains healthy muscle function thanks to its cocktail o calcium, magnesium and potassium. The perfect ally whether or not you're into sports or just looking to stay better hydrated.
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