Make the Most of Your Hydration Routine with Sugar-Free Electrolyte Packets
Between trying to fit in a daily workout, answering those unread emails, or dropping off the kids, drinking water may sometimes be the last thing on your mind. We’re more likely to pick up a Starbucks coffee before drinking water that we know we’re supposed to be drinking each day. But going about your day without proper hydration is doing yourself a disservice.
Keeping your body hydrated keeps your energy levels up, your muscles performing in tip-top shape, and helps protect you from colds and illnesses. We’ve heard this all before, so the real questions are–how do you fit it all in and how much does a good hydration routine matter?
Why does hydration matter?
With everything on our to-do list, it’s likely drinking enough water gets pushed to the back burner. Sometimes we’re so busy we may not even notice we’re dehydrated until the effects have already sunk in.
If you’re dehydrated, you’re likely to be more fatigued, suffer from stomach issues, and possibly lower your body’s immunity. Less water and electrolytes in your body mean your muscles and organs struggle to perform at their best. The last thing we want for our bodies is electrolyte imbalance.
What do electrolytes do?
Electrolytes are electrically charged minerals that every body depends on. They help rebuild some tissues in the body and provide you with the energy you need to function properly. They can even repair nerve or muscle damage, which is very helpful after a tough workout.
There are six essential electrolytes that support your body to stay in tip top shape.
- Calcium: Calcium has a role in muscle stimulation and regular heartbeat. It’s extremely important for nerve transmission, muscle growth, and powerful muscle contractions.
- Chloride: This electrolyte is an essential electrolyte that helps balance body fluids.
- Magnesium: Magnesium helps convert glucose to energy. It helps metabolize fat. It’s necessary for muscles to function correctly. It also helps the body properly use other vitamins and minerals.
- Phosphorus: As the second most abundant mineral in the body after calcium, phosphorus is present in every muscle cell as well as the body's fluids.
- Potassium: Potassium plays a part in how nerves transmit and muscles contract. It helps regulate water balance in the body. You lose potassium when you sweat.
- Sodium: Sodium is very important, but the American diet is typically very high in sodium in general. When used appropriately, sodium works with potassium to help muscle expansion and contraction.
Electrolytes can also prevent headaches, migraines, and headaches caused by hangovers. They help your body to calm down and relax while moving waste out of your cells. Electrolytes are essential to good stomach health and support your organs in doing their jobs more efficiently.
Getting enough electrolytes gives you the increased mental awareness you’re searching for and the energy you need to accomplish everything in your day. They’re the key to a productive and healthy routine.
How can electrolyte packets help?
Electrolyte packets are timesavers
What’s great about electrolyte packets is that they’re the ultimate timesaver, providing all the essential electrolytes in one exact serving. All you have to do is tear open the packet, pour it into your water bottle, shake it well, and go about your day.
You’ll also feel the benefits of drinking electrolyte powders. When you’re well hydrated, you’ll feel more focused, alert, and energized. Plus, they taste great, which is a welcome addition to your daily diet.
Electrolyte packets can be healthy for you
Electrolyte powders usually have less sugar and calories than traditional sports drinks. They let you enjoy a hydrating, tasty drink without the extra additives.
Ultima Replenisher gives you sugar-free electrolyte packets that don’t sacrifice taste. They’re also made with real fruit flavors and plant-based coloring, and they’re vegan, on top of being gluten-free, Paleo, and keto. In fact, Rolling Stone called Ultima “the tastiest, more refreshing drink on our [electrolyte powders] list.”
Electrolyte packets are the key to fast recovery
Electrolyte packets help your body and muscles to recover faster. After a strenuous workout, your muscles are tired and may tense up, so they need extra support. Drinking water with electrolytes rehydrate you quickly and efficiently, helping your body calm down while supporting your body’s natural muscle contractions.
How do you make your electrolyte drink?
Using electrolyte packets isn’t complicated–which is why it’s an easy addition to your routine. Just read the information on the packet and follow all the instructions closely, but it’s usually pretty simple.
For most electrolyte packets, you just add water and stir until the powder dissolves, just like mixing up powdered iced tea. For Ultima’s electrolyte packets, a 16-ounce glass of water is recommended. One Ultima Replenisher stickpack or one scoop, which is a half teaspoon, is equal to one serving.
How often should you use electrolyte packets?
Usually, you can use an electrolyte packet whenever you feel like it! If you’re waking up overtired every day or just had a crazy workout, then feel free to add an electrolyte packet to your water.
If you drank alcohol the night before, since alcohol is a diuretic, you’re likely to wake up dehydrated after a night out, which can lead to many uncomfortable symptoms. Having an electrolyte packet before you go to bed and/or when you first wake up in the morning can help prevent or minimize a hangover.
You can also use an electrolyte packet if you feel drained after a long day at the office. If you’re sitting still for hours, you’re probably barely drinking enough water. We’re all guilty of drinking several cups of coffee at the desk to hit a deadline. Even though you’re not sweating profusely, you can be dehydrated. An electrolyte packet can help boost your mood and give your body the energy it needs.
Also, after a long and challenging workout, you may want to use an electrolyte packet to support your muscle recovery. The American College of Medicine recommends replenishing your electrolytes after working out for one hour.
Ultimately, it’s about learning what works for your schedule, depending on how you set up your daily routine. Listening to your body cues can be hard, so if you’re struggling to drink enough water during the day, simply add a hydration packet. Don’t let a busy schedule get in the way of staying hydrated.
