101: Electrolytes, Dehydration, & Adrenal Fatigue

Why is dehydration dangerous? Staying adequately hydrated is essential for detoxification, energy, cognitive function, beautiful skin, and more. When your body is dehydrated, it can lead to low energy, poor brain function, skin issues, and—what Erica is getting into today: adrenal fatigue. In this episode, Erica is diving into the dangers of dehydration, the details on adrenal fatigue, and how to properly hydrate for optimal health. You’ll discover the benefits of electrolytes and Erica’s favorite electrolytes powder. 

What is adrenal fatigue? The short answer: adrenal fatigue is a collection of symptoms related to an imbalance of cortisol in the body. This imbalance is typically driven by physical and emotional stress. The most common symptom of adrenal fatigue is the constant feeling of being exhausted or tired, and sleep doesn’t help. 

Here’s the thing, most people walking around are chronically dehydrated! Dehydration on it’s own can cause fatigue because the body is mostly made up of water, and it’s essential for all bodily functions, including energy production. 

Dehydration can impact people struggling with adrenal fatigue more than others because of the hormone aldosterone. Aldosterone is responsible for the maintenance of bodily fluid and the concentration of minerals within the blood. There are 4 key minerals that support this balance: sodium, potassium, magnesium, and chloride—aka electrolytes. They are called electrolytes for their slight electric charge. 

Aldosterone is largely regulated by cortisol. People who struggle with AF, cortisol is imbalanced, it’s too high at night and too low in the morning. This can cause you to feel tired in the morning, even after a long night’s sleep, and wired at night. 

Aldosterone is also the hormone that regulates electrolytes and bodily fluid. Because it is in sync with cortisol production (when more cortisol is secreted, more aldosterone is secreted), then the demand for aldosterone is too high; the cells that produce it can reduce their sensitivity to the demand. Essentially, they will stop listening even if the body has a physical need for the hormone, and electrolyte levels will be thrown off balance. 

For proper hydration, it’s essential that electrolytes are in the proper ratio for the body to function well. If aldosterone is low, sodium is low. Enter cravings of super salty foods, often processed and unhealthy foods like crackers, chips, and popcorn. 

The fix:

• Carry a water bottle, drink half your weight in ounces of water per day 
• Add a pinch of good quality sea salt to a quart of water to help create more balance in the body
• Avoid sports drinks that are filled with unsavory ingredients, sugar, and coloring 

Try our favorite electrolyte powder Hydration Superfood Energy. It’s packed with electrolytes, B vitamins for energy, 15 superfoods for anti-aging, and gentle detoxification. It’s all put together into a delicious strawberry kiwi flavor, making it easy to drink throughout the day.

Featured in this episode…

Hydration Superfood Energy