We all know the feeling of how great a refreshing glass of water can taste after a long, intense workout, but just how important is it to stay hydrated and does it matter what we decide to hydrate with? For starters, our bodies are made up of about 60% water and our muscles are about 75% water.
So, staying hydrated does more than just prevent us from getting thirsty. In fact, by the time our thirst mechanism kicks in, our bodies are already in a state of dehydration.
Dehydration occurs when we lose more fluid than we consume. While this is very common during exercise or physical activity, the simple metabolic process that occurs within our body throughout the day also consumes a fair amount of water so hydration is important for everyone, not just athletes.
Hydration Vitamin Drips in NYC
However, if you do find yourself in a spinning class or weightlifting session, hydration is even more important. During exercise, water is driven out of the muscles and into the bloodstream to help regulate our body temperature, aid in circulatory support and keep our bodies moving.
If that water is not replaced, the muscles will not only fail to create more protein, but it will start to breakdown the existing protein it contains. By breaking down protein, oxidative stress and inflammation are created, and we become more prone to muscle soreness, cramps and dizziness, not to mention we lose the muscle gains we were trying to achieve in the first place!
Additionally, dehydration can cause lightheadedness, dry mouth, nausea, headache, cramps, and a high and fast heartbeat.
What can we do about it? Sure, drinking water is great, but it doesn’t contain electrolytes needed the help balance the blood pH and aid in muscle recovery. The body cannot create electrolytes on its own so it must be consumed extraneously.
And while sports drinks do contain electrolytes, they often also contain added sugar and artificial dyes as well as possibly too much sodium. A highly effective and safe way to rehydrate is through IV Hydration Drips.
As mentioned in our previous articles, IV drips allow the body to absorb 100% of the nutrients by avoiding losing it to digestion. What better way to directly rehydrate your body than through the use of an IV Hydration Drip?
Normal Saline and Lactated Ringers at CSC+M
There are 2 primary Hydration IV drips that are administered at CSC+M’s NYC clinic – Normal Saline (or NS) and Lactated Ringers (or LR). Both are considered an isotonic, crystalloid solution – meaning they have added nutrients and they have the same osmotic pressure as your blood and will create more fluid volume overall, rather than growing or shrinking the existing cells.
Normal Saline (NS) is the most common IV fluid and is comprised of sterile water and sodium (salt) and helps assist the kidneys in flushing toxins from the body. It’s a great choice for those needing general re-hydration or those trying to hydrate after fluid loss from vomiting or diarrhea.
Lactated Ringers (LR) are comprised of sterile water and sodium (salt), potassium, calcium, and sodium lactate. LR’s are most similar to the body’s plasma and serum concentrations and works to regulate the blood pH and flush toxin from the body. It’s a good choice for those who have lost a lot of electrolytes due to strenuous physical activity.
At CSC+M, you will meet with our medical personnel to best decide which IV Hydration drip is best suited for your needs given your lifestyle habits, workout routine, and current hydration status. So the next time you finish that marathon or simply just survived your best friend’s weekend-long bachelorette party, skip reaching for the Gatorade and consider an IV Hydration Drip to get you back up and running.
