Why You Might Be Dehydrated Even When You Drink Plenty of Water on Waiheke
Nadia, Olivia and myself were recently talking about feeling dehydrated since moving to the island. I said I was always cramping and had recently seen a health professional who suggested I take electrolytes. Liv mentioned she too took special salts because she felt dehydrated.
One other observation we have all made is an unusually high rate of cramping in our Waiheke patient group relative to the rest of the world we have worked with.
Other symptoms of persistent dehydration can include waking up really thirsty, brain fog and just low energy when exercising.
Now in my mind we have the freshest water in the world straight from the sky with a little bit of pine needles and whatever else is in the gutters (trying not to think too deeply about this).
So I did some research to answer the question. Why are Waiheke Islanders so dehydrated?
Rainwater is essentially distilled water created by nature. As it evaporates from oceans, rivers, or soil and condenses into clouds, the minerals and impurities are left behind. When it falls as rain, it’s very pure. However due to this purity, it is also low or completely non-existent in electrolytes sodium, potassium, magnesium and calcium.
On the other hand, town (mains) supply water comes from treated sources like lakes, rivers, or groundwater. As it passes through soil and rock, it picks up naturally occurring minerals, and also intentionally added minerals for public health (like fluoride or calcium).
So we naturally have less here on the motu.
Combining this with regular exercise and sweating it out and you have a potential electrolyte imbalance.
What are electrolytes?
Electrolytes (sodium, potassium, magnesium and calcium)
Regulate muscle function such as preventing cramping
Keep cells hydrated
Help keep your nervous system healthy
So when we are low in the above we feel fatigue, we don’t recover well after training and we cramp.
So What Can You Do?
Add electrolytes to your day
I’ve been experimenting with different electrolytes and they are few and far between on the island. The pharmacy sells electrolyte tablets like berocca. You just have to wait 5-10 minutes for it to dissolve which is annoying.
So I’ve started using Elyte electrolyte sachets which you just rip open, pour in and drink. Chaz likes the Daeli ones. We like them so much we’ve started stocking them in the studio, so give them a try yourself!
I’m also a big fan of Coconut water as it is a great natural alternative in a smoothie or just drinking by itself. Also your leafy greens, avocados, bananas and nuts are filled with potassium and magnesium.
So if you’re feeling dehydrated, cramping a lot or a bit flat, consider topping yourself up with electrolytes. Tank water is awesome especially now it’s raining again but consider supplementing given the reduced natural minerals that you would receive in the city.