The Importance of Staying Hydrated While Taking Supplements

Staying hydrated is crucial for maintaining overall health, but did you know it’s even more important when you’re taking supplements? Supplements are great for filling in nutritional gaps, helping boost your energy levels, or helping you recover from a tough workout. 

Here’s the catch: without enough water, those supplements might not work as well, and could even cause some pesky side effects. Let’s dive into everything you need to know about hydration in the body, how supplements affect proper hydration, and some tips to help you happily sip all day long. 

Hydration in the Body

Water is vital for numerous bodily functions, including digestion, nutrient absorption, temperature regulation, and waste elimination. It serves as a medium for biochemical reactions and helps transport nutrients and oxygen to cells while removing waste products. Adequate hydration supports cardiovascular health, lubricates joints, and maintains skin elasticity. Without enough water, these processes can become inefficient, leading to dehydration and various health issues.

How Supplements Affect Hydration

Whenever you’re taking supplements, your body experiences a demand for water. This increase may happen for several reasons:

Metabolism and Absorption: Supplements, especially those containing vitamins and minerals, require water for proper metabolism and absorption. Think of water-soluble vitamins like swimmers. They need water to get where they’re going. Without enough water, they’re stuck at the starting line.

Kidney Function: Our kidneys play a crucial role in filtering waste products from our blood. Some supplements may increase the workload on the kidneys. Drinking enough water is essential to help the kidneys flush out these waste products, and ultimately helps prevent the risk of kidney stones and other issues.

Balances Electrolytes: Electrolyte supplements, like those that contain sodium, potassium, and magnesium, are popular among those with active lifestyles. These minerals help maintain your fluid balance, muscle function, and nerve signaling. Taking these supplements without water can disrupt the body’s electrolyte balance, leading to cramps, dizziness, and even cardiac issues.

Detoxification: Many supplements may claim to aid the body’s detoxification processes. These supplements often increase the frequency of urination or bowel movements to eliminate toxins. Without enough water in your system, these processes can lead to dehydration.

How to Stay Hydrated

Set A Hydration Goal: Aim to drink at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water daily, often referred to as the “8x8 rule.” However, your needs can vary based on factors like age, weight, activity level, and climate.

Keep Track of Your Intake: Keep track of your water consumption throughout the day. Using a water bottle with measurement markings or a hydration tracking app can help ensure you meet your daily water intake goal.

Eat Hydrating Foods: Foods with high water content, such as cucumbers, watermelon, oranges, and leafy greens, contribute to overall hydration.Try incorporating these into your diet.

Tune into Your Body: Thirst is an indicator that your body needs more fluids. Additionally, monitoring the color of your urine can provide insight into your hydration status. For instance,  light yellow indicates proper hydration, while dark yellow or amber suggests dehydration.

Space it Out: Spread your water intake throughout the day rather than consuming a large amount at once. This will help you maintain steady hydration levels.