The biggest mistake you can make when it comes to Hydration
The Biggest Mistake People Make When It Comes to Hydration
Hydration seems simple—drink more water, right? But what if I told you that the advice to "just drink more water" could be part of the problem? For many people, this approach is incomplete and can actually lead to imbalances in the body.
Let’s talk about the biggest mistake people make when it comes to hydration: ignoring electrolytes, especially salt.
Why Just Drinking Water Isn’t Enough
When you’re dehydrated, reaching for water seems like the obvious fix. But here’s the thing: drinking plain water without replenishing electrolytes can dilute the minerals in your blood, leading to an imbalance. This is known as hyponatremia, or low sodium levels, and it can leave you feeling tired, sluggish, and even more dehydrated.
Dr. James DiNicolantonio, a cardiovascular research scientist and author of The Salt Fix, explains that hydration is about more than just water—it’s about maintaining the right balance of fluids and electrolytes. According to Dr. DiNicolantonio, salt is an essential component of proper hydration, especially for those who sweat regularly or follow low-carb diets, which can deplete sodium levels.
The Role of Salt in Hydration
Salt isn’t the villain it’s often made out to be. In fact, your body needs sodium to:
- Maintain fluid balance.
- Support nerve and muscle function.
- Help your body absorb water effectively.
Without enough salt, drinking water alone can leave you feeling depleted. That’s where electrolyte solutions come in.
Why I Recommend Re-Lyte
Re-Lyte is one of my favorite electrolyte solutions because it contains the right balance of sodium, potassium, magnesium, and other essential electrolytes without unnecessary sugars or additives.
Unlike many sports drinks that are loaded with sugar, Re-Lyte keeps things simple and clean, which is exactly what your body needs for optimal hydration. Whether you’re working out, spending time outdoors, or just trying to stay hydrated throughout the day, Re-Lyte is an excellent choice.
Ready to try Re-Lyte? Check it out here: Re-Lyte Electrolyte Mix
When Should You Add Salt to Your Hydration Routine?
Dr. DiNicolantonio recommends adding electrolytes or a pinch of quality salt (like Himalayan or sea salt) to your water in situations where:
- You’re sweating a lot (e.g., during exercise or hot weather).
- You’re following a low-carb or ketogenic diet.
- You’re feeling fatigued, lightheaded, or experiencing muscle cramps.
- You drink large amounts of water but still feel thirsty.
A Simple Hydration Strategy
- Start your day with a glass of water containing a pinch of salt or an electrolyte mix like Re-Lyte.
- During exercise or hot weather, sip on electrolyte-infused water to replace what you lose through sweat.
- Focus on quality. Avoid sugary sports drinks and stick to clean, effective options.
Hydration Is About Balance
The key to staying hydrated isn’t just about how much water you drink—it’s about how well your body absorbs and uses that water. By including electrolytes like sodium in your hydration routine, you can avoid the common pitfalls of dehydration and feel more energized throughout the day.
Hydration doesn’t have to be complicated, but it does have to be complete. If you’ve been feeling fatigued or just off, consider giving your hydration routine an upgrade.
Want to start improving your hydration today? Grab Re-Lyte here: Re-Lyte Electrolyte Mix
To your health,
Ashley Allen
Founder, Functional Medicine of Delaware