Water vs. Electrolytes: How Hydrated Is Enough?
Published by
CONTRAVE Care Team
on
Water seems to be very top of mind these days! It’s hard to go anywhere these days without seeing someone lugging around a big water bottle. There are even apps for your phone to help you track how much water you drink daily and smart water bottles that light up to help remind you to drink your water.
Hydration is clearly on our minds. After all, humans are about 60% water, so it makes sense that we’d be kind of obsessed with H2O. And there’s no doubt that drinking enough water is good for your overall well-being and can even help support your weight loss journey. But are we all really so dehydrated that we need to be supplementing with electrolyte powders, too?
Are We Really All So Dehydrated?
Despite the constant reminders to drink more water, most healthy adults are not walking around severely dehydrated. While mild dehydration (not drinking quite enough) can be common, the idea that everyone needs to chug a gallon a day or use hydration supplements isn’t entirely accurate.
The best indicator? Your own body. If you feel thirsty, drink. If your urine is dark yellow, drink more. If it’s light yellow, you’re probably in a good place. You can ask your healthcare provider any specific questions you may have about your levels of hydration.
However, there are some circumstances hydration supplements could make sense for you. If you’re sweating heavily from an intense workout, especially for over an hour, replenishing electrolytes can be beneficial. Same thing for being outside in hot weather for long periods—the extra hydration support may help keep you safe.
Finally, you may want to consider additional hydration if you’re experiencing constipation as a side effect from a medication. Of course, it's always best to talk to your healthcare provider to see if hydration supplements would be right for you, especially if you have been told you need to restrict sugar or sodium intake.
How Hydration Helps Support Weight Loss
Drinking enough water is essential for overall health, but it can also support your weight loss goals in several key ways:
Appetite: Sometimes, we mistake thirst for hunger. If you feel a hunger pang, try drinking a glass of water and seeing if you’re still hungry. Overall, staying hydrated can help prevent unnecessary snacking and overeating.
Metabolism: Proper hydration helps your body efficiently metabolize stored fat and carbohydrates (aka burn calories).
Digestion: Water is super important for digestion, and can help prevent GI symptoms like bloating and constipation.
Energy: Dehydration can lead to fatigue, making it harder to be physically active and recover from your workouts.
Hydration is important, but it doesn’t have to be complicated. For most people, drinking enough water throughout the day and eating a diet rich in hydrating foods (like fruits and vegetables) provides sufficient hydration and electrolytes. Instead of focusing on fancy hydration products, keep it simple: listen to your body, drink when you’re thirsty, and make water your go-to choice!
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