The importance of electrolytes
The sweat is salty. It is because it contains mineral salts called electrolytes. Before being eliminated in sweat, they circulate in the blood where they fulfill crucial roles.
Electrolytes are minerals (eg sodium, potassium, chloride, manganese, calcium) that carry an electrical charge when dissolved in a liquid such as blood. They play an important role for everyone and even more so for athletes. During exercise, they allow the muscles to contract and function properly. They help regulate nerve function and neuronal activity, and are therefore useful for concentration, reflexes and decision-making during the practice of sport. Finally, they help maintain the acid-base balance and hydration of the body.
Brix Maple Water - Drink Mix
Maple water naturally contains sodium, potassium, calcium and manganese. Brix adds sodium to his Drink Mix because it's the predominant electrolyte in sweat, so the one we mostly lose. The more you sweat, the more you lose, and the more important it becomes to consume it to replace it.
How much?
The sweat rate varies greatly from person to person, and the concentration of sodium in sweat varies just as much: from 460 to 1840 mg per litre. It is therefore difficult to say how much each person needs. One thing is certain, certain situations increase the needs:
- Profuse sweating
- Intense or prolonged exercise
- Hot and humid environment (especially when not well adapted)
That said, even people who exercise for long periods of time at low intensity or in cold weather need to replace their electrolytes. As soon as you exercise for more than 2 hours, it is recommended to eat salty foods or an electrolyte supplement.
Replacing sodium, pushing our limits
It's important to replace electrolytes and especially sodium, because if you don't and you drink a lot, you risk hyponatremia (lack of sodium in the blood). This can cause rapid heartbeat, nausea, vomiting, headache, confusion, and even seizures. In short, you have to see it!
Good to know : In addition to these electrolytes, it contains phenolic and flavonoid compounds known for their antioxidant effect.
