Hack Your Hydration: Simple Tips for Optimization

We all know the classic feelings of dehydration – dizziness, lack of energy, light-headedness, etc. But, we don't often consider the results of chronic dehydration like poor sleep quality, lack of focus, inability to regain energy and overall lowered function.

As active people, proper hydration is a requirement to optimizing health and effective recovery.

At the cellular level, mitochondria utilize water to produce ATP (adenosine triphosphate), which is the energy that fuels human function. Unfortunately, ATP is not available in limitless supplies and must be replenished through proper nutrition and hydration. Without efficient production of ATP, energy levels plummet and overall function is greatly affected. If you are somebody who hasn't made hydration a priority, you may be missing out on the energy required to fuel your full day.

In addition, your body relies on water for disposal of free radicals and other inflammatory compounds. Free radicals are the result of the natural inflammatory process, which is triggered in response to adverse stimulation. Being able to effectively handle inflammation is what translates to healing and recovery. A body that is not hydrated properly will experience increased inflammation and not function at its highest.

With hydration affecting so many critical processes, making it a primary focus of a functional lifestyle is critical. Counter to the standard recommendations, quantity (ounces, cups, etc.) does not necessarily translate to efficacy. You must set your cells up for success and create an environment where they can thrive with the hydration being provided. Using cellular health and function as a roadmap, there are several hacks one can utilize to ensure they are getting the most from their hydration.

 Field Tips:

• Make your water work for you! Adding electrolytes for an extra boost could almost be considered a requirement for active people. The six fundamental electrolytes include: magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, calcium, sodium and chloride. Each plays a unique role in our physiology and offers a distinct benefit. Read the label closely to ensure the ingredients are purposeful and advantageous to replenishing your physiology. If you do not see these compounds listed, then it may be best to avoid. In addition, be sure you are choosing products that are free of unnecessary chemicals and sugars as these have other negative health consequences.
• Don’t be afraid to go for that extra shake of salt at meal times! You may get looks, but you are optimizing your functional health! Adding high quality sodium to your food is a great way to sneak in a few extra electrolytes.
• Focus on quality. Tap water can contain many of the harmful compounds we are trying to avoid. An effective filtration system is a must and can be a low-cost investment with significant returns.
• Avoid the harmful effects of electromagnetic frequencies (EMFs). With the advent of modern technology, humans are being exposed to non-native EMF constantly. The result is stress and lowered function at the cellular level, which includes an inhibited ability to use hydration optimally. Check out our tips for mitigating EMF!
• Invest in a reusable water bottle. If you are going to take your hydration to the next level and elevate your function, set yourself up for success. Find one you like and know will last - we suggest sticking to metal for health and quality reasons.
• Set goals and stick to them! If you feel your best drinking "X" ounces of water in a day, then don’t settle for anything less. 

Field Approved: Ultima, LMNT, and Quintessential

As hackers of our functional health, we couldn’t just settle for plain water. The field approved products listed are great additions to your hydration practice and will help your active body recover, particularly when used in conjunction with Fieldlab products. All contain the essential electrolyte compounds required to fuel cellular function and turn water from boring to functional (and delicious)!

If you like sweet, Ultima has several incredible flavors and a canister can go a really long way – one scoop is more than enough to make a large amount of water taste great. If you like a saltier blend, then give LMNT a try – they offer several flavors as well but focus on sodium as a key electrolyte source. Quintessential takes a different approach, offering customers small vials of seawater, which is scientifically proven to replenish and sustain the body’s electrolyte supply. These are great on the go and offer a quick solution being less than an ounce each.