Do you need to replenish electrolytes after exercise? Is there a natural way to do it?
Electrolytes (think calcium, potassium, magnesium, and plain old table salt) are minerals that break into small, electrically-charged particles called ions when they dissolve in water. Found in blood and cells, electrolytes are essential to physical activity because they regulate bodily fluids. After your muscles have endured stress during a workout, you’ll need to replenish their glycogen or sugar stores to help them recover.
After a long workout, you may reach for sports drinks or energy bars to replace the electrolytes you just sweated out, but be careful to see that they don’t come loaded with calories and added sugar. Some also contain artificial ingredients, which won’t do your body any favours.
You can also replace electrolytes through natural food. Here is a list of the best foods you could eat to achieve this, they can be eaten as a snack or included in post workout meals: leafy greens, tomatoes, celery, bananas, blueberries, yogurt, oranges, nuts, coconut water, dried apricots, raisins, sea salt, sweet potato, avocado and spinach.
Do you need to replenish electrolytes after exercise? Is there a natural way to do it?
Electrolytes (think calcium, potassium, magnesium, and plain old table salt) are minerals that break into small, electrically-charged particles called ions when they dissolve in water. Found in blood and cells, electrolytes are essential to physical activity because they regulate bodily fluids. After your muscles have endured stress during a workout, you’ll need to replenish their glycogen or sugar stores to help them recover.
After a long workout, you may reach for sports drinks or energy bars to replace the electrolytes you just sweated out, but be careful to see that they don’t come loaded with calories and added sugar. Some also contain artificial ingredients, which won’t do your body any favours.
You can also replace electrolytes through natural food. Here is a list of the best foods you could eat to achieve this, they can be eaten as a snack or included in post workout meals: leafy greens, tomatoes, celery, bananas, blueberries, yogurt, oranges, nuts, coconut water, dried apricots, raisins, sea salt, sweet potato, avocado and spinach.
