From the desk of Dr. Kayla Smith
We are constantly reminded of the importance of water, but many forget that water is only half of the equation. The other half of the equilibrium equation is sodium more commonly known as salt. The body tries to maintain a balance in our body of water and salt, if we don’t have enough salt then we will expel excess water by sweating and going the bathroom.
We live in the wonderful state of Florida where we have the ability to sweat standing still while outside. Therefore it is even more important to understand that we don’t only need to drink more water but we also need to add more salt to retain the water within our bodies.
The most common mistake when we talk to patients is that they try to just add table salt to their water or food to accomplish this goal. That unfortunately will not assist in the goal of retaining water. Table salt is processed then iodized and is primarily only sodium chloride, while Celtic salt another option is not processed and contains not only sodium but also trace minerals such as magnesium, calcium, and potassium.
Celtic salt can be added into water all on its own, but we do find that patients don’t often enjoy the taste of saltwater. Instead we recommend using electrolyte packets that are full of the same components as the Celtic salt.
There are a variety of electrolyte packets and drinks on the market today and not all are as beneficial as others. Many on the market are full of sugar and unnecessary sweeteners, as well as other fillers and dyes. They may appeal to the sweet tooth but they do not benefit the body with the excess of sweetness. You can always check when purchasing for the amount of added sugars on the nutritional label. These are some of the recommended choices from our physicians…
Trace Minerals
Saltt
