Best Time to Drink Electrolytes for Hydration

We’ve all been dehydrated at some point. In fact, many of us are probably a little dehydrated right now. While water should be your first line of defense, sometimes you need a little extra hydration help. Enter electrolytes. These minerals-like sodium, potassium, magnesium and chloride-help your body hold onto fluids. You can get them from lots of healthy foods. But when you need a fast, convenient hydration fix, you can also get them from supplements in the form of drinks, powders and capsules.

Of course, whenever you’re dehydrated, the most important thing is to drink water. But sports dietitians say that when you could use an even bigger boost, an electrolyte drink can help. And there are some times of day when drinking them may be especially beneficial. 

## The Best Time to Drink Electrolytes for Maximum Hydration

Since everyone’s daily routine and needs are a little different, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all best time to drink electrolytes. But there are certain times of day when an electrolyte drink can provide a hydration boost.  

### When You Wake Up in the Morning 

when you first wake up, are you more likely to stumble toward the coffee maker than pour yourself a glass of water? You’re not alone. Many of us skip hydrating first thing in the morning, making it

Why Is My Pee Dark Yellow? Here’s What Your Urine Colour Means

Ever wonder what your urine color says about your health? While it might seem like an odd thing to pay attention to, the color of your pee can be a surprisingly good indicator of your hydration levels and overall well-being.

What Does Dark Yellow Pee Mean?

Dark yellow urine typically means you’re dehydrated. When you’re not drinking enough fluids, your kidneys conserve water, resulting in more concentrated urine. this concentration leads to a darker color. The presence of chrome in your pee increases, making it darker in color.

Not drinking enough water is one common cause of dark urine. Some illnesses can cause it, too. Diarrhea, vomiting, or a high fever can quickly rob your body of fluids.”When you’re sick-as in [fluid is] coming out of both ends, electrolytes can help the body replete to counteract the deplete,” says Leslie Bonci, M.P.H., RDN, CSSD.

What should your pee look like? If it’s light in color, similar to the color of lemonade, you have nothing to worry about. However, if it’s any darker than that, you could be running low on fluids and need to rehydrate.

Factors Impacting Hydration

Hydration isn’t just about how much you drink. These factors can also impact your hydration status.

* Your Drink’s Taste and temperature: The flavor and temperature of your drink can be a deal-maker or -breaker, says Bonci. Some people may only enjoy their fluids ice-cold, while others need a hint of flavor to encourage steady sipping. Find out what you enjoy to support hydration.
* If You’re a “salty Sweater”: If you notice white streaks or white crusty marks on your clothes after a tough workout, chances are you’re what sports dietitians call a “salty sweater.” these marks are a tip-off that your body loses a higher concentration of sodium through sweat and that you may need more electrolytes than the average person to stay hydrated,explains Sarah Kiel,RDN,CSSD.That said, not all sweat stains on your exercise clothes are sodium-related. Yellow or brown stains are simply a reflection of pigments in your sweat.
* The Amount You Sweat: Some of us naturally sweat more when we exercise than others.”Sweat rate is impacted by everything from temperature and humidity of the environment, to altitude, apparel and the intensity and duration of your workouts,” says Jones. While some people may only sweat out a half-liter per hour of exercise, others may lose as much as 2 liters per hour.