Staying hydrated is essential to feeling your greatest, particularly as temperatures throughout the globe soar. Some could flip to powdered merchandise marketed as hydration multipliers to assist.
Whereas specialists say shopping for hydration multipliers aren’t completely crucial, they are often helpful in sure circumstances — however there are issues to pay attention to.
“Plain water continues to be the gold customary for hydration, so do not skip it,” Dr. Shannon Dowler, household doctor and board of administrators on the American Academy of Household Physicians, instructed CBS Information. However, they could be a useful gizmo when you’re spending a number of time outdoors or exercising closely, she mentioned.
“If you happen to’re doing strenuous bodily train for over an hour, rehydrating with electrolytes is a superb concept, however make sure you drink water constantly. These dietary supplements are dietary supplements, not a substitute for water,” Dowler mentioned.
Much like sports activities drinks, hydration multipliers assist by replenishing electrolytes to the physique, that are misplaced once we sweat, mentioned Dr. Scott Braunstein, chief medical officer at drugs concierge firm Sollis Well being.
“After we sweat, we lose extra than simply fluids, we additionally lose electrolytes — principally sodium and chloride, but in addition smaller quantities of potassium, calcium, and magnesium,” he instructed CBS Information. “Whereas all of it might all get replaced by consuming water and consuming quite a lot of strong meals, for these not prepared for a meal, consuming electrolyte containing fluids is a good way to interchange the losses in sweat.”
Braunstein mentioned there are number of merchandise obtainable, together with electrolyte infused water, well-known drinks like Gatorade and Powerade, Pedialyte and packets and tablets that may be added to water.
Consultants advise checking the label earlier than giving them a strive. Specifically, be aware of caffeine, sugar and sodium ranges.
“Some electrolyte merchandise include giant quantities of sugar, which will be problematic for these with diabetes, weight problems and different well being circumstances,” Braunstein mentioned. “Additionally needless to say some merchandise include caffeine, which acts as a diuretic and might really make it harder to rehydrate successfully.”
It is also a good suggestion to test along with your physician earlier than consuming these when you’ve got any continual ailments or take every day medicines.
“These with sure continual circumstances, particularly kidney illness — since your kidneys regulate your electrolytes — excessive or low blood strain or coronary heart illness, ought to seek the advice of their physician earlier than consuming these merchandise, as sustaining fluids and electrolytes inside a selected vary could also be vital for his or her well being,” he added.
