{"id":3200,"date":"2023-09-25T04:50:29","date_gmt":"2023-09-24T18:50:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cyclingclassics.com.au\/bowral\/2023\/09\/25\/hydrate-the-alka-power-way\/"},"modified":"2023-09-25T04:50:29","modified_gmt":"2023-09-24T18:50:29","slug":"hydrate-the-alka-power-way","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cyclingclassics.com.au\/bowral\/2023\/09\/25\/hydrate-the-alka-power-way\/","title":{"rendered":"Hydrate the Alka Power Way!"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Hydration \u2013 it\u2019s one of the most critical aspects of our sport and water is the clear winner when it comes to proper and thorough hydration.<\/span><\/p>\n

Water is a transporter of nutrients, a joint lubricator, and importantly a regulator of body temperature. <\/span>If you don\u2019t replenish fluids, especially when sweating through more intense exercise or activity, it becomes harder for your heart to circulate blood. <\/span><\/p>\n

A decrease in blood and plasma volume occurs leading to a range of problems including fatigue, muscle cramps, dizziness, heat exhaustion even heat stroke. You will also lose your body\u2019s electrolytes including sodium and potassium.<\/span><\/p>\n

Sodium<\/strong> <\/span><\/p>\n

Sodium is found in many foods, so you normally get enough but when you lose a lot of water through sweat you lose significantly more. If you don\u2019t replace the sodium you can suffer from muscle cramps, nausea, fatigue, dizziness, even an inability to concentrate. Sodium helps muscles contract and relax, transmit nerve impulses and maintain fluid balance in your cells. <\/span><\/p>\n

Potassium <\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Potassium is essential in maintaining a proper fluid balance. It maintains the body\u2019s pH balance and blood pressure. Potassium stops blood clotting, transports nutrients to the cells, supports heart and bone health as well as protects the stomach lining from damage caused by stomach acids. <\/span><\/p>\n

For athletes, potassium helps carbohydrate storage to fuel muscles and the degree and frequency of muscle contraction. If you don\u2019t get enough, the flow of potassium through the body is blocked compromising your nervous and muscular systems.<\/span><\/p>\n

These major electrolytes, found in minerals, contain an electric charge carried in your urine, blood, and bodily fluids. They are used by your body\u2019s cells transporting electrical impulses so your cells can communicate with each other. That\u2019s what gives you the ability to taste, see, smell, touch, and hear. <\/span><\/p>\n

How to replace lost fluids<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Food and beverages provide hydration, but it is water that is vital to meet your daily requirements. Water is the go-to that makes things happen and helps \u2013<\/span><\/p>\n