COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — It’s important to stay hydrated while losing fluids via sweat during exercise. Staying hydrated is important year-round, but the necessity of it becomes especially apparent during the hot summer months, when lightheadedness, exhaustion and cramping can serve as harsh penalties for failure to do so.
Staying hydrated becomes even more important when an activity requires constant awareness, whether that’s high-elevation scrambling or cruising down a technical trail on a mountain bike. Studies show that even mild dehydration can impact one’s decision-making ability and motor coordination.
So drink more water and you’ll be fine, right? That’s not entirely true.
As the body sweats, it loses not just water. It also loses electrolytes, which help the body move water around in cells and keep water where it’s needed, among other important functions.
Per a report from MedlinePlus.gov, common electrolytes include calcium, chloride, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium and sodium, with plain water failing to replace these important minerals when they’re lost through sweat. Given how crucial these electrolytes are for essential bodily functions, serious consequences can be faced when they’re depleted, further amplifying the effects of dehydration. A lack of electrolytes can even result in death in some cases.
Keeping electrolytes in the body will contribute to a more enjoyable and safer experience outside.
Don’t worry — adding electrolytes to your hiking hydration plan doesn’t have to be complicated. Several companies make products designed to address this issue in a convenient and tasty way.
1. Tailwind Nutrition: Headquartered in Durango, Colo., Tailwind Nutrition offers a wide range of products that cater to various endeavors. Some products have caffeine, some have protein, and others feature a combination of beneficial vitamins, but all have electrolytes to help the user stay healthy and hydrated. Plus, a serving of the basic Tailwind Nutrition “Endurance Fuel” mix has about 200 calories — something else to avoid skimping on when participating in strenuous outdoor activity. Single-serving packs ensure that this product doesn’t take up much space, with bulk packaging also available.
2. Nuun Hydration: One big perk of Nuun Hydration is the portability of its products. This company is best known for packing 10-plus servings of electrolyte-boosting drink tablets into a tube that fits into nearly any pocket. Plus, with a wide range of flavors, everyone is sure to find something they can look forward to putting in their drink. The Nuun product line has sport-focused options but also products that aim to help with sleep, immunity and general hydration.
3. Liquid IV: Another popular portable electrolyte packet, Liquid IV claims to be the top “powdered hydration brand” in America. Many people use the product daily, whether they’re participating in a sport or not.
4. Gatorade: Perhaps the best-known electrolyte-boosting product worldwide, Gatorade gets a lot of grief for its sugar content. That being said, strenuous physical activity in the mountains is one time when this product gives the body a lot of what it needs. While many outdoor recreators may turn to electrolyte packets or tablets first, Gatorade is great to keep in mind as it’s found at nearly every gas station in the country. It also doesn’t require any sort of liquid to mix it with.
When it comes to electrolyte-boosting products, it’s best to try a few options and determine what works best for your situation. Consulting your doctor or a professional nutritionist on the matter is always a good idea, as they can help you develop a hydration plan that works best for you.
