Hello! As I am sitting down to type this week’s blog, I have a huge glass of alkaline (Kangen) water sitting next to me that I intend to drink. In the days prior to intermittent fasting, it would be plain water. Now it has a skosh of Himalayan Sea salt in it. Why you might ask? Let me explain.
HYDRATION
Staying hydrated plays a critical role in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. The entire human body is 55 to 65% water. The average human can go for 10 days to a few months without food but wouldn’t survive more than three days without water. This brings me to the question, why add salt?
SODIUM
Hydration is important and especially important if you are fasting. You can incorporate sodium (in moderation) into your water to help replenish your electrolytes. Does that answer your question? A question that I had prior to all this fasting stuff is, what exactly are electrolytes?
WHAT ARE ELECTROLYTES?
Healthline.com explains that electrolytes are electrically charged minerals that help the body maintain optimal function. Electrolytes are crucial to many functions that keep you alive including the operation of your brain, nerves, muscles (including those that keep your heart beating) and the creation of new tissue. They help regulate the balance of fluid in the body and regulate pH levels. You lose electrolytes when you sweat. You must replace them by drinking fluids that contain electrolytes. Water does not contain electrolytes. Common electrolytes include:
- Calcium
- Chloride
- Magnesium
- Phosphorus
- Potassium
- Sodium
FOOD
The question becomes, how do you get electrolytes in your body? Most people get enough electrolytes from daily foods and beverages they consume. In some instances, electrolyte beverages such as sports drinks may be a good way to quickly replace fluids, carbohydrates, and electrolytes that are lost during extreme activity, sweating or illness such as fever, diarrhea or vomiting. The fact of the matter is there are many foods with electrolytes including:
- Avocados
- Bananas
- Broccoli
- Coconut water
- Spinach
- Watermelon
- Milk
- Potatoes
- Sweet potatoes
- Beans
- Leaf Vegetables
- Oranges
- Raisins
- Yogurt
- Kale
- Almonds
- Tofu
- Beet green
- Butternut squash
- Lentils
- Sunflower seeds
- Pickle juice (yes pickle juice)
- Fish
- Turkey
- Chicken
BALANCE
Electrolyte imbalance can occur. This could result from dehydration, certain conditions such as chronic kidney disease that cause high levels of potassium, some people with type 1 diabetes or eating disorders such as bulimia. Also, certain medications may cause this condition to occur. Always check with your health care provider if you have symptoms, issues or questions.
HDD
Here we are at the end of the blog and I drank my entire glass of water while typing. In closing, I remind you that we at HDD cannot possibly see your electrolyte level through diagnostic ultrasound. A simple blood test can give your healthcare provider that information. We can see many of your internal organs, muscles, joints and tendons. If you need us to take a look, call us at 505-350-3397.
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