Well, it’s summer, which means I am going to expound upon the benefits and necessity to stay sufficiently hydrated while the sun beats down overhead. Pardon me while I climb up on my soapbox. It’ll only take a second.
Dehydration can lead to a number of negative effects, including fatigue, dizziness, and even heat stroke. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an average of 702 deaths per year in the United States are attributable to extreme heat. Yikes!
Additionally, thousands more suffer from heat exhaustion and heat stroke, which can have serious health consequences if left untreated. This is why it’s important to drink enough water and replenish electrolytes on hot days and especially during physical activity.
I only share the scary stuff because I care about this issue. As a begrudging water consumer, I understand the struggle. It’s not my favorite beverage for sure. However, I’ve felt the effects of dehydration and heard plenty of first-hand stories from friends and family.
Ok, let me climb down and we can talk about some ways to elevate your hydration game. I’ve talked in the past about ways to get kids (and myself) to drink more water. Two main strategies include adding fruit for flavor and having fun bottles and travel cups to use. Recently, I’ve been using electrolyte powder to enhance our water. Let me share why I think this can help keep you and your family properly hydrated during the heat of the summer and beyond.
These powders contain a mix of minerals, such as sodium, potassium, and magnesium, which are lost through sweat during physical activity. Adding electrolyte powder to water can help replenish these minerals and improve hydration levels. It’s not just the water loss, but the lost nutrients and minerals too that makes you feel icky when dehydrated.
Another benefit of using electrolyte powder is that it can help improve the taste of water, making it more likely to consume enough. This is especially helpful for those who struggle to drink enough water on a regular basis. Additionally, electrolyte powder can help improve physical performance by reducing muscle cramps and fatigue, which dehydration can also cause.
It's important to note that not all electrolyte powders are created equal. When choosing a brand, it's important to look for one that contains high-quality ingredients and doesn't contain added sugars or artificial sweeteners. Some popular brands are Ultima Replenisher, LMNT and Jocko Hydrate. They can be pricey though. I’m currently going through a canister of Six Star Ultimate Hydration. It’s sweetened with sucralose, but at only 1g added sugar per serving, I’m not too worried about it. My only complaint is that it’s too sweet for my taste.
Price Comparison
Ultima Replenisher: 90 serving container for $44.99 with a subscribe and save option for $40.49
LMNT: 30 serving packets for $45.00 with subscribe and save option for $39.00
Jocko Hydrate: 16 serving packets for $28.99 with subscribe and save option of $26.09
Six Star Ultimate Hydration: 50 serving canister for $16.99 with subscribe and save option for $11.99 (The packaging has changed, but this link leads to the same product as my photo above.)
You can see the huge difference in prices across these products. There are also myriad other brands. The key is finding something that you like that also fits what you’re willing to spend. Let’s do a little math.
My current can of Six Star cost about 34 cents per serving. The Ultima Replenisher costs about 50 cents per serving at regular cost. (These are comparing the canisters which have the most servings and lowest price per serving compared to it’s own other packaging options.)
Factoring in the subscribe and save price for Ultima Replenish, I get town to 45 cents per serving. I may be willing to take the increase cost for a product with no artificial sweeteners. There are few flavors I hate, but sucralose is one of them.
Kids and Electrolytes
When it comes to safety for kids, it's generally safe for children to consume electrolyte powder in moderation. However, it's important to speak with your pediatrician before introducing any new supplement or food product to a child's diet. Drinks like PediaLyte are electrolyte replacement for when kids have been ill with stomach bug. And run-of-the-mill sports drinks like Gatorade and Powerade have electrolytes added.
Overall, enhancing water with electrolyte powder can be a great way to improve hydration during the summer months and physical activity. By choosing a high-quality product and consuming it in moderation, we can reap the benefits of improved hydration and physical performance.