CYCLING SUPERFOODS #18 SALT

As we ride, the harder we work the more we perspire and the more electrolytes we lose through this process. Often we reach for the water to hydrate ourselves, which is important, but if we keep hydrating without replacing electrolytes we can quickly dilute our bodies and end up suffering from headaches, cramps, fatigue, sickness and dizziness.

Electrolytes?

Electrolytes are the minerals we lose through sweating. They help with muscle contraction and fluid balance, to name just a couple of functions. The main electrolyte we lose in exercise is sodium, followed by a small amount of potassium.

It’s incredibly important to stay on top of your electrolyte balance, as if you run too low you can get something called hyponatraemia (low levels of sodium in your blood), which is a dangerous place to be as it can lead to chronic conditions like kidney or congestive heart failure.

Salty sweat

Some individuals can be particularly salty sweaters and may need 1000mg of sodium per drinks bottle to maintain their electrolyte balance. Considering most commercial electrolyte tabs only provide 300mg a serving you can easily see why you might still be having some issues.

If you experience the symptoms mentioned or notice you have a particularly salty face or salt lines on your jersey there is a good chance you may need more.

Try upping the dosage and see how you feel or if you’re being left caught out while on the road give our emergency electrolyte drink recipe a try... willgirling.com