So Electrolytes Aren’t Just for Athletes?
For the longest time, when I heard the word electrolytes, I associated it with working out. Thinking the only time I needed to worry about drinking electrolytes was after hitting the gym hard. With not liking the taste of Gatorade, even after a good workout, I would most likely pass on electrolytes, hoping the peanut butter and banana smoothie would get me through.
In reality, I had no idea what the word electrolytes actually meant or why it mattered. But a month after turning 30, completing my first half marathon, then traveling to Mexico like I was still 22; I found myself spending the following week stuck in a bathroom, sure I was dying. I was careful on the trip and ate the same food and drinks as my sister who was fine. I thought maybe it was the ice in that one fateful margarita. Or maybe her 27 year old body is still able to keep up with a pace my 30s wouldn’t allow.
When I finally gave in to a trip to quick care, I was quickly told I needed electrolytes to help with severe dehydration. The remedy: to drink sodium based electrolytes such as Gatorade (yuck!). I opted for propel and what do you know, $200 and 48 hours later I felt back to normal!
So what are electrolytes and why are they so vital to our bodies? Our cells utilize electrolytes to conduct electrical charges helping create chemical reactions, specifically for our muscles to contract and to properly hydrate and balance fluids in our cells. The key elements of electrolytes are sodium, potassium, calcium and chloride. We obtain these elements through our food and drinks naturally but sometimes things can get off balance. This can be especially true with weather changes and activity levels.
It is always good to talk to your doctor and check these levels if you are concerned. Key times to check your electrolytes is after lifestyle changes or if you are feeling more fatigued, experiencing muscle cramps, dizziness, nausea, dry mouth or irregular heartbeat.
Now, you already know Gatorade is not my favorite source for electrolytes. And honestly, when you’re active or need to increase your electrolyte intake any bottle or dissolvable package of electrolytes can become pricey. My favorite way to get extra electrolytes without a price tag came from an old Chiropractor I worked with in Las Vegas.
It’s a simple recipe:
8 oz of water
Two turns of a Himalayan salt grinder
One lemon sliced in half, squeezed and added to the water
I’d love to hear in the comments if you’ve ever experienced your electrolyte levels being off and if you try the recipe to make your own electrolyte water!
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/21790-electrolytes
Arnica, not Arsenic
I remember watching Arsenic and Lace with my Dad growing up. It was a favorite movie of his and provided teachable moments, something that comes naturally to him. The first question was, and should have been, why the women were killing the men. But shortly after that I found myself clarifying what was killing the men. I grew to understand that nature is intended to be respected and to ensure that what was consumed, was in fact safe.
To clarify, I do not have a vast knowledge in herbs. With my own healing journey and career, I have learned about some natural remedies including herbs. Arnica is one such example. This perennial plant has been used in traditional herbal medicine for centuries. The most commonly seen species, Arnica montana, has been studied for potential medical properties with positive results.
The most recognizable uses for arnica are to assist with joint and muscle pain, inflammation, and arthritis. So it is no wonder why arnica and massage therapy have become the perfect pairing! Topical application is considered low risk and comes in various forms such as oil, gel, creams, and roll-ons.
Although, arnica may be ingested, this has a greater risk of toxicity and adverse effects. It is also important to note that arnica can thin your blood. So, if you recently had surgery, are taking a blood thinner, or are taking medication for high blood pressure, it is best to avoid arnica. If you are allergic to sunflowers, it is wise to use caution when using topical arnica for the first time as the flowers are members of the same family. It is also wise to speak with a doctor about use while pregnant or breastfeeding.
Studies indicate that arnica has less adverse effects, is more cost efficient and has comparable pain management results to standard medications such as ibuprofen. Despite the promising information about arnica, there is still a lack of data which is why it is not always recommended by doctors. Homeopathic remedies such as using arnica may have been around for centuries but that does not mean that we fully understand how and why they work.
References and studies about arnica are linked below. I’d love to hear if you have ever tried this remedy topically or orally and what your experience has been! Comment and let me know your thoughts about arnica and in general using homeopathic remedies that are not fully understood by modern science. Is this something you would feel safe trying?