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TIPS
T
he human body is made up of
around 60% water and the correct
balance is critical to physical and
mental function.
Maintaining appropriate hydration
levels and ensuring healthy bodily
function is directly linked with sodium
(better known as salt) while the correct
balance of other electrolytes and
branch chain amino acids (BCAAs)
are also essential for our physical and
mental performance.
ǩ
Sodium
While salt in excess is unhealthy,
sodium is required by our bodies to
help regulate water around cells and is
directly linked with healthy nerve and
muscle function.
Sodium is mostly lost when we sweat
and go to the toilet and the body requires
this to be replaced. If salt levels in
the blood become too low, confusion,
nausea, headaches and the potentially
fatal outcome of cerebral oedema
can occur in a condition known as
hyponatremia.
Drinking excessive amounts of water
(or other low-sodium beverages such
as soft drinks) during and after physical
activity can increase the dangers,
and has caused many deaths among
otherwise healthy Aussies hiking the
Kokoda trail.
Regular food consumption and a
healthy diet plays an important role in
sodium and electrolyte replenishment;
however, a loss of appetite is common
while undertaking physical activity
especially when performed in the heat
– in which case an electrolyte drink may
be a good solution.
Conversely, hypernatremia – an
excess of salt in the body – is also
dangerous. It often corresponds with
dehydration and may be caused by
extreme fluid losses due to sweating
and diarrhoea or by the extreme
consumption of salty foods.
The body generally responds to
hypernatremia with a strong thirst
sensation to correct the imbalance.
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Other electrolytes
While sodium is the most important
electrolyte, others such as potassium,
calcium and magnesium also play a vital
role in cellular communication, organ
function and general health.
These electrolytes are also lost
in sweat and their replacement may
HANDLING THE HEAT
Summer can be a dangerous time for tradies, particularly those
working outdoors. Here, the folks from
Thorzt
offer some tips on
how to beat the heat this summer.