If you’re sweating after a workout, know that 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 when we sweat, we lose more than just water—we lose electrolytes, too. Replacing these key minerals can help hydrate more effectively and maintain peak performance.
Here’s what you need to know about the science behind sweat.
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 intense exercise—your body increases sweat production to stay cool.
“We generally sweat to help regulate our body temperature in hot conditions,” says Paul Falcone, MS, chief scientist at BODi. “When water from sweat evaporates, it cools the skin.”
Your skin contains millions of sweat glandsand about a liter of sweat evaporates from your skin every day.
What does our body lose through sweating?
“Sweat is mostly made up of water and electrolytes, which are essential minerals in the body,” explains Falcone. Sweat may also contain traces of urea, uric acid, ammonia, vitamin C and other substances.
The primary electrolytes we lose when we sweat are sodium, potassium, magnesium and calcium. These electrolytes serve a a number of important purposes inside the body and helps maintain the proper functioning of the nerves, muscles, heart and brain.
Electrolytes are so vital, Falcone adds, that their levels tightly regulated within the body to ensure that basic 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 make up for what is lost when we sweat
Water is essential for hydration – no surprise there.
But during a longer workout – especially if you increase the intensity – a drink like Beachbody Performance Hydrate can help compensate for both fluids and electrolytes to help you maintain a higher level of performance.*
That’s because — along with all their other tasks — electrolytes play a key role in hydration drinks by helping the body absorb water more efficiently and maintain optimal fluid balance. Adding Beachbody Performance Hydrate to your water bottle can help replenish those electrolytes so you can rehydrate more effectively.
“Electrolytes help with osmolality drink, which means that the body absorbs water more easily,” explains Falcone. This focus on osmolality makes Beachbody Performance Hydrate more useful for hydration than water alone.
To ensure ideal electrolyte balance, Beachbody Performance Hydrate is formulated with a science-backed combination of electrolytes and carbohydrates to optimize hydration, improve endurance and aid in muscle recovery.*
“Carbohydrate and electrolyte drinks have been shown in clinical studies to support endurance,” says Falcone. “Carbohydrates they provide fuel to working muscles, and electrolytes support several bodily processes necessary for exercise.”
To get the most out of it Beachbody Performance Hydrateit is best to drink it during or after training. Mix one serving with 8 ounces of water for every 30 minutes of exercise to 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 or prevent any disease.
