The Importance of Hydration

Water and salt are two of the cheapest and most abundant substances on Earth; at the same time they are also two of the most valuable. Aside from clean air to breathe, proper hydration is of the highest order. 

But what is “proper hydration?” 

Believe it or not, true hydration requires more than water. In fact, water is only half of the hydration equation. Without salt and other electrolytes like potassium and magnesium, we can actually deplete ourselves by drinking too much water. 

How is this possible? It has to do with how cells absorb water. The inside of the cell is where water needs to be to sustain the life of the organism. Electrolytes help shuttle water across a cell’s water-repelling membrane to the inside of the cell. True hydration is not determined by how much water is inside of your body, but how much of that water is inside of the cells. 

With professional guidance and the right equipment, cellular hydration levels can be tracked, measured, and influenced. The providers at Statera Health are well versed in this area. You can find them at www.officialstatera.com.

Practical tips: 

• Consume up to half of your bodyweight in ounces of water per day. 

• Add a pinch of salt for every 8oz of water consumed; up to 2 tsp/day. 

• Athletes might consider higher salt intake or electrolyte supplementation.

• Avoid electrolyte drinks that contain sugar, caffeine, and artificial colors.