5 examples of when drinking plain water isn’t enough
Whether you’re building up a sweat in the gym or trying to recover after a cold, you’ll want to avoid dehydration.
Drinking water sounds like the logical solution to staying optimally hydrated, but while water is essential and most of us could do with drinking a bit more of it, it’s not always enough to restore a healthy level of hydration.
What are electrolytes?
Electrolytes are minerals in the human body which help the body absorb and retain water, move nutrients around the cells and ensure that all parts of the body, including the brain and nervous system, are working the way they should.
An electrolyte imbalance can make it difficult for your body to hydrate efficiently so it’s important to replace electrolytes as well as fluids. Formulated to World Health Organisation standards, O.R.S Hydration Tablets, containing potassium, sodium and glucose, represent a convenient, scientific and tasty way to replenish what you lose through sweat and other bodily fluids.
Keep reading for five instances when water isn’t enough and O.R.S can lend a helping hand.
1. After exercise
Exercise is important for a healthy body but sweat can rid your body of the electrolytes you need to really feel the benefits. You should always carry a bottle of water when exercising to replenish the fluids that are lost when you sweat, but you also need to replace the electrolytes lost during strenuous activity. Pack a tube of O.R.S in your gym bag and remember to drop, dissolve and drink.
2. After illness
You know you’re meant to drink lots of liquids when you’re sick, but do you know why? When your nose is running, you have a feverish sweat and/or you have an upset stomach, your body is losing liquid and can become dehydrated – which is going to make you feel even worse.
3. During hot weather
In hot weather, it’s important to carry a bottle of water with you to replenish the liquid lost through sweat. Sometimes, however, water just isn’t enough – particularly if it’s a sweltering day or if you’re stuck on a hellishly hot commute.
4. Flying/travelling
Did you know that the humidity on a plane is lower than the Sahara desert?! If you don’t fancy forking out for a litre of water from an overpriced airport shop – or you don’t want to bother your neighbour with frequent trips to the bathroom – then you may want to bring a few O.R.S tablets in your carry on.
5. During a busy day
The sensation of being thirsty is suppressed in older age, so when you’re rushed off your feet it’s sometimes easy to forget to drink water. It’s worth remembering that even a small drop in your hydration levels can take a toll on your physical and mental wellbeing. To avoid fatigue, headaches, dizziness and low blood pressure, you might want to set alarms as a reminder of when to have a glass of water. And popping an O.R.S tablet won’t harm either.
Get a hydration hit, fast, with O.R.S Hydration Tablets, available to buy at ors.uk.com, Amazon, Boots and Holland & Barrett
