The Importance of Hydration

Guzzling a cold beverage like bevCacao on a hot day gives you an instantly refreshing feeling. But have you ever wondered what causes that euphoric feeling?

Hydration is crucial for maintaining good health and proper bodily functions. When we are dehydrated, our bodies do not have enough fluids to function properly, which can lead to a variety of negative health effects.

The truth is that most of us are dehydrated. In fact, some doctors estimate that number to be as high as 75% of all Americans! That means that most of us are living in a state of chronic dehydration on a daily basis. This shows up as fatigue, lack of focus, lowered mood, poor sleep and even excess weight. Plus, recent research shows that even minor dehydration can make minor aches and pains worse. So if you wake up and you’re not feeling your best, dehydration may be the culprit.

When your body starts to run low on water, a number of changes take place. For starters, the volume of blood in your body decreases, causing a change in blood pressure. This change in blood pressure affects the concentration levels of salts and other minerals in your body. This concentration of particles is known as osmolality. It takes several minutes for your blood pressure and osmolality to level off.

There's a specific part of the brain that has been determined to monitor our drinking activity. It's called the “lamina terminalis” and yes, its primary job is to determine when we are thirsty, and when we've had enough to drink. It's been shown that this portion of the brain will release dopamine as a reward for quenching our thirst, delivering an instant mood boost.

So how can we improve our hydration, and overall health?

One way is by consuming electrolytes. Electrolytes are minerals that are present in our bodies and play a vital role in maintaining proper hydration. They are responsible for regulating the balance of fluids in our bodies, as well as helping with muscle function and other important bodily processes. Some common electrolytes include sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium.

When we sweat, our bodies lose electrolytes, which can lead to dehydration if not properly replaced. Consuming foods or beverages that are high in electrolytes can help to replenish these lost minerals and improve hydration. Sports drinks and coconut water are popular options that are specifically formulated to provide electrolytes and hydration, but cacao juice can deliver those exact same benefits as well. In addition to improving hydration, electrolytes have other health benefits as well.

For example, sodium plays a role in regulating blood pressure and potassium helps to support heart function. Calcium is important for maintaining strong bones, and magnesium is involved in muscle function and the metabolism of nutrients.

It's important to maintain a proper balance of electrolytes in our bodies for optimal health. Consuming a diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, and other whole foods can help to ensure that we are getting enough electrolytes. It's also important to pay attention to your body's hydration needs and drink plenty of fluids, especially when participating in activities that cause us to sweat heavily or in hot environments.

In summary, electrolytes are essential minerals that play a vital role in maintaining proper hydration and overall health. By consuming beverages like bevCacao that are high in electrolytes and staying hydrated, we can help to support our bodies' vital functions and maintain good health.