If you’re sweaty after a workout, you know it’s time to rehydrate.
But before you reach for your water bottle, it’s important to understand exactly what sweat is made of, because we lose more than just water when we sweat — we also lose electrolytes. Replacing these essential minerals can help you hydrate more efficiently and maintain peak performance levels.
Here’s what you need to know about the science behind race.
Why do we sweat?
Sweat is your body’s natural cooling system. When you feel hot — whether it’s from a hot day, a spicy meal, a nerve-wracking situation, or an intense workout — your body increases sweat production to stay cool.
“In general, we sweat to help regulate body temperature under hot conditions,” says Paul Falcone, MS, principal scientist at BODi. “When the water in sweat evaporates, it cools the skin.”
Your skin contains… Millions of sweat glandsAbout a quart of sweat evaporates from your skin every day.
What do our bodies lose in sweat?
“Sweat is mostly water and electrolytes, which are essential minerals in the body,” Falcone explains. He sweats It may also contain Traces of urea, uric acid, ammonia, vitamin C and other substances.
The main electrolytes we lose when we sweat are sodium, potassium, magnesium and calcium. These electrolytes serve a A variety of important purposes Inside the body and help keep your nerves, muscles, heart and brain working properly.
Electrolytes are very vital, Falcone adds, as are their levels Tightly organized Within the body to help ensure essential processes are not disrupted. So, when you sweat during a long workout, it’s important to replace the electrolytes you lose in addition to water.
How to replace what we lose when we sweat
Water is essential for hydration, and there are no surprises here.
But during a long workout — especially if you’re increasing your intensity — have a drink like Beachbody Performance Moisturizer It can help replenish both fluids and electrolytes to help you maintain a higher level of performance.*
That’s because — along with all their other duties — electrolytes play a crucial role in hydration drinks by helping the body absorb water more effectively and maintain optimal fluid balance. Adding Beachbody Performance Moisturizer to your water bottle can help replenish those electrolytes so you can rehydrate more efficiently.
“Electrolytes help improve the osmolarity of the drink, which means it’s easier for the body to absorb water,” Falcone explains. This focus on osmolarity makes Beachbody Performance Hydrate more beneficial for hydration than water alone.
To ensure you get the perfect balance of electrolytes, Beachbody Performance Moisturizer Formulated with a scientifically-backed blend of electrolytes and carbohydrates to optimize hydration, improve endurance, and help jump-start muscle recovery.*
“Carbohydrate and electrolyte drinks have been shown to support endurance in clinical studies,” says Falcone. “Carbohydrates provide fuel for working muscles, and electrolytes support many of the bodily processes necessary for exercise.”
To get the most out of it Beachbody Performance MoisturizerIt is best to drink it during or after exercise. Mix one serving with 8 ounces of water per 30 minutes of exercise to help maintain fluid balance and support performance.*
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.