What Electrolytes Are and How They Prevent Headaches
The Wellsphere website describes electrolytes as elements like sodium and potassium which, when present in liquid form, nourish, hydrate and provide energy for the body. Besides preventing dehydration, electrolytes are also important in maintaining nerve and muscle function. When a person loses an excess amount of electolytes through excessive perspiration, whether from physical exertion or extreme temperatures, she will experience dehydration. The most common symptoms of dehydration are tiredness, vomiting, diarrhea and headaches. The headaches, in particular, are caused by the constricted capillaries and blood flow that come with dehydration.
How The Electrolytes In Gatorade Work
While the body loses a number of electrolytes during excessive perspiration, the two main electrolytes that are lost--and whose absence cause the most discomfort--are potassium and sodium. Sports drinks like Gatorade are manufactured to contain high levels of both of these electrolytes, to replace what the body has lost. When consumed, these beverages release sodium and potassium back into the body, where they are absorbed into the constricted tissues, muscles and capillaries that are operating on an electrolyte deficit. When capillaries are unconstricted, blood flow resumes freely and the headache subsides.
When To Drink Gatorade
It may seem obvious that the best time to drink Gatorade, or any electrolyte-rich drink, would be when one experiences dehydration symptoms. This is actually counterproductive. Regular exercisers and those who do strenuous outdoor work know that drinking a beverage like Gatorade before AND after engaging in physically demanding labor of any kind keeps electrolytes present in your system while you sweat. This is the best prevention against the headaches, muscle cramps, vomiting, diarrhea or dehydration.
Tags: blood flow, excessive perspiration, like Gatorade, sodium potassium, vomiting diarrhea