Why do we need electrolytes?
Electrolytes are mineral ions that carry an electrical charge, and the body needs them to function properly. The most well known role of electrolytes is in preserving the balance of fluids in the body, which is why electrolyte drinks are so commonly associated with sports. While regulating the fluid levels in the body may be the largest role that electrolytes play, it is certainly not the only one. Electrolytes also promote proper muscle function, support healthy functioning of the nervous system, and assist in balancing internal pH levels. Overall, electrolytes are involved in hundreds and even thousands of chemical reactions in the body. If the levels of electrolytes in your body become unbalanced, you can begin to experience a host of serious health conditions, including dehydration, some of which can be fatal. There are seven different electrolytes found in the human body, including sodium, potassium, magnesium, chloride, calcium, phosphate, and bicarbonate; however, sodium, potassium, and magnesium are considered the three major electrolytes.
How do electrolyte imbalances occur?
Electrolytes are stored in the body primarily in the blood, sweat, and urine. Most of the time, when we excrete electrolytes, it is through sweating or urinating. However, when we are sick, we can also lose electrolytes as a result of vomiting and diarrhea. Most electrolyte imbalances occur when people lose a lot of electrolytes in a short amount of time, such as during an intense or prolonged workout or while sick. In fact, while most people receive plenty of sodium in their diets, the vast majority take in insufficient quantities of potassium and magnesium. However, these electrolytes normally do not become imbalanced as a result of low intake. Instead, they commonly occur from heavy sweating or illness. Electrolyte imbalance can also occur over time if people regularly exercise or work in hot conditions without replacing their electrolytes. Although the amount of sweat you produce on a daily basis in these environments might seem small, it adds up quickly when it comes to electrolyte loss. Therefore, it is important to replenish your electrolytes on a regular basis regardless of your activity level, but especially if you workout regularly, workout outdoors in hot conditions, or are sick.
Who should use electrolyte supplements?
One of the most important roles that electrolytes play in the body is maintaining the proper balance of fluids and preventing dehydration. Although children and senior citizens are the two age groups most likely to experience dehydration, the condition is extremely common, with an estimated 75 percent of Americans experiencing chronic dehydration. Electrolyte imbalances are one of the most common contributors to dehydration, so most people can benefit from using an electrolyte supplement at some time or another. Although electrolyte drinks are commonly associated with athletes, there are many different applications for electrolyte supplements. The following groups of people should use electrolyte supplements:
- Children and senior citizens at risk of experiencing dehydration
- People who are working out at a moderate to high intensity or for an extended period of time
- People working outdoors in hot or humid conditions
- People who are sick with a fever, vomiting, or diarrhea
- People who are hungover after having several drinks
- People who want to function their best at the office after a night out
- Salty or profuse sweaters, regardless of how long or intense their workout is
While the above groups should definitely use electrolyte supplements on a regular basis, nearly everyone will benefit from using electrolytes at some point or another.
How much electrolyte concentrate should I use?
The amount of electrolyte concentrate that each person should use varies depending on their personal needs and activity level. Some people sweat excessively even during a light workout or throughout the day, while others do not sweat much at all. Logically, a person who sweats more will have a greater need to replenish their electrolytes and fluids than someone who does not. If you know that you sweat excessively during a workout, try weighing yourself before and after your workout. You should consume at least 20 ounces of fluid for every pound lost during exercise. Total Hydration’s electrolyte concentrate, Daylyte, uses 3 milliliters of concentrate as one serving. Using one serving of Daylyte requires 36 ounces of clean water, or 12 ounces for every milliliter of concentrate used. While rehydrating and restoring the balance of electrolytes in your body is important, it’s also important to make sure that your electrolyte levels do not get too high. Therefore, no more than eight servings, or 24 milliliters, of Daylyte electrolyte concentrate should be consumed in a 24 hour period.
When should I use electrolyte concentrate?
In order to feel and perform your best and ensure that you are recovering as quickly as possible, Total Hydration recommends using one or more servings of Daylyte each day. However, it is especially important to use electrolyte concentrate during a long or intense workout, after a moderate to intense workout of any length, when working in a hot or humid climate, when dehydrated from illness, or when trying to recover from a night out drinking. There’s never a bad time to use an electrolyte concentrate, but you’ll notice the biggest improvements in these situations.
What are the benefits of electrolyte concentrate compared to other types of electrolyte supplements?
Electrolyte concentrate is much more convenient and easy to use than other types of electrolyte supplements that are dissolved in water, such as powders and tablets. Unlike powders and tablets, electrolyte concentrate is already in a liquid form, so it can easily be added to any liquid and will dissolve completely, with no change in texture. You can add electrolyte concentrate to water, tea, smoothies, juice, coffee, or any other liquid, while powders and tablets need to dissolve and can leave a gritty texture. Daylyte also contains no calories, added sugar, or carbohydrates, and it is suitable for vegans and those on a ketogenic diet, so you don’t have to worry about breaking your diet just to rehydrate.
What does electrolyte concentrate taste like?
Electrolyte concentrate has a mineral taste that most people either don’t notice or don’t mind. However, people who are particularly sensitive to the taste of minerals might prefer to use a squeeze of lemon or lime in their beverage to disguise the taste.
How do I add electrolyte concentrate to water?
Electrolyte concentrate is easy to add to water. One serving of electrolyte concentrate is three milliliters, which is to be dissolved in 36 ounces of clean water. Each bottle of electrolyte concentrate comes with a dropper that is carefully marked to show much of the solution to add to your water or other beverage. After dropping in the desired amount of concentrate, gently shake or stir for a few seconds in order to thoroughly mix in the concentrate. There’s no powdery residue or left behind gunk.
How does electrolyte concentrate enhance performance?
Electrolyte concentrate enhances performance when water alone is not enough, which is often. Although people used to get many electrolytes from natural water sources, bottled water today is overpurified and overfiltered, which means the vast majority of these minerals have been removed. As a result, water alone isn’t enough for hydration in many situations because your electrolyte levels have not been restored. Electrolytes allow the body to perform a variety of important functions, including managing the balance of fluids in the body, promoting normal muscle contractions and functions, and maintaining normal nerve function. When the electrolytes become unbalanced, these systems can begin to fail, which can have potentially serious and even fatal consequences. DayLyte enhances performance by reducing fatigue, increasing the body’s ability to produce ATP (energy), improving focus, and preventing muscle cramps.
Where is DayLyte made?
DayLyte is made in the United States and meets all of the applicable food safety standards and guidelines as required by the U.S. government. DayLyte is manufactured in an FDA-approved facility that is GMP certified, which means it adheres to manufacturing guidelines that are designed to ensure safety and transparency. You can feel confident that all of the ingredients in DayLyte are what they say they are and that the concentrate is manufactured in safe conditions.
Does DayLyte contain any artificial ingredients?
Unlike many commercial electrolyte drinks and supplements, DayLyte does not contain any artificial ingredients. All of the electrolytes are naturally sourced from sea minerals, and there are no added sugars, carbohydrates, or calories. The product is vegan and does not contain any artificial sweeteners, flavors, or other chemicals. DayLyte is also free of common allergens, including gluten, dairy, corn, shellfish, eggs, wheat, and soy.
What are some common symptoms of dehydration?
Common signs of dehydration include dry mouth, dizziness, tiredness, lightheadedness, headache, dark yellow urine, and diminished urine output. Severe dehydration is a very dangerous condition and can cause significant complications and health issues, and it can even be fatal. Signs of severe dehydration include reduced elasticity of the skin, fever, confusion, quickening heart rate, seizure, drop in blood pressure, lethargy, sunken eyes, shock, and coma.