Sodium is the most important electrolyte for maintaining fluid balance in the body and thereby contributing to the retention of absorbed water. Popular belief holds that a diet that is too high in sodium can be harmful. This is indeed the case for the average population, who consume too much sodium for the amount lost and this can lead to problems with hypertension and cardiovascular disease.
However, for athletes, it is something else entirely. Long-term efforts that lead to loss of fluid through sweat can lead to a state of dehydration. This dehydration is problematic, while it often comes with reduced muscle performance, cramps, nausea, headaches, etc.
While the focus is often on rehydration through water intake, sodium intake is neglected in the rehydration process. If we do not replace the sodium lost in sweat, the water we ingest will not be absorbed, a greater percentage will be ejected in the form of urine and the rehydration process will be ineffective. It is for this reason that it is just as important to fill our sodium reserves as it is to fill our water reserves.
In addition to its importance during exercise, rehydration is a key factor in our ability to chain training sessions at a close frequency. An electrolyte intake is therefore also necessary between the different sessions in order to always start them in an adequately hydrated state.
In each portion of Upika Endurance, there is 300mg of sodium, which is a sufficient quantity to ensure good water retention and a suitable level of rehydration. We recommend, on average, one serving per 60 minutes of sustained exertion.
Of course, fluid and sodium needs can vary for a number of factors. Among these, the ambient heat, the level of effort as well as the predisposition of the athlete to sweat. You must therefore be attentive to your body, and make sure to stay ahead of your hydration in order to maximize performance.