Myth or fact: Drinking plain water is ‘not’ the best way to hydrate

Electrolytes are basically minerals like potassium, calcium, and magnesium that carry an electrical charge when dissolved in water. Our body gets these electrolytes from the food we eat and the fluid we drink. They help in performing various bodily functions like moving nutrients to the cells, moving waste out of cells, helping in rebuilding damaged tissues, balancing the body’s pH levels, and regulating the nerves, muscles, heart, and brain functionality, among other things.

Water, generally, has these minerals infused in it but due to purification some of them might be lost. Also, when engaged in intense physical activity, like a workout, the body tends to lose electrolytes through sweat, along with when one becomes dehydrated, in case of diarrhoea or vomiting.

As such, Rodriguez suggested adding electrolytes to water for better hydration. “You need electrolytes alongside water to be properly hydrated. Every time you pee, you are peeing out electrolytes that are sodium, potassium, and magnesium, and you are peeing out water. But most people are only replenishing with water. So the more you drink, the more you pee, the more you need electrolytes,” he shared.

Agreeing, Dr Nikhil Kulkarni, Consultant-Internal Medicine, SL. Raheja Hospital, Mahim – A Fortis Associate said, “Water accounts for nearly 65 percent of a man’s body weight, and 60 percent of a woman’s body weight. Sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and chloride are all electrolytes found in water, but are abundantly found in natural spring water and mountain water. Purified drinking water may not have the necessary electrolyte”.

Dr Kulkarni added that while there are natural ways to add electrolytes to drinking water, one must be cautious, as both low and high levels of electrolytes in the body can be harmful. “Too much sodium causes hypernatremia, and too much potassium can cause hyperkalemia. This has an impact on kidney function and causes irregular heartbeats,” he told indianexpress.com.

How to add electrolytes to your water

One of the simplest ways to do so is to add a pinch of “sea salt” to water, or you can also add “ginger and watermelon” to your water. Dr Kulkarni said that coconut water is the most nutritious source of electrolyte water that one can include in their diet.

Coconut water is the most nutritious source of electrolyte water that one can include in their diet. (Pic source: Pixabay)

How to prepare electrolyte water at home

Dr Kulkarni also shared a simple recipe to make healthy electrolyte water at home. “Take half-cup of orange juice, 2 cups of water, a quarter cup of lime juice, a pinch of sea salt, and 2 teaspoons of honey (optional) to make electrolyte water at home”.

Talking about his personal experience, Rodriguez shared, “Since fixing this balance I can feel a massive difference when adding electrolytes to my daily regimen”.

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