What is sweat made of?

If you’re drenched in sweat after a workout, you know it’s time to rehydrate.

But before you reach for the water bottle, it’s important to understand exactly what sweat consists of, because when we sweat we not only lose water, but also electrolytes. Replacing these important minerals can help you Hydrate more efficiently and maintain peak performance.

Here’s what you need to know about the science behind sweat.

Why do we sweat?

Sweat is your body’s natural cooling system. When you feel the heat – be it a hot day, a spicy meal, a nerve-wracking situation, or an intense workout – your body increases sweat production to stay cool.

“In general, we sweat to regulate body temperature in hot conditions,” says Paul Falcone, MS, principal scientist at BODi. “As the water in sweat evaporates, it cools the skin.”

Your skin contains Millions of sweat glandsand about a liter of sweat evaporates from your skin every day.

What does our body lose through sweat?

“Sweat is primarily made up of water and electrolytes, which are essential minerals in the body,” explains Falcone. Sweat can also contain Traces of urea, uric acid, ammonia, vitamin C and other substances.

The main electrolytes we lose when we sweat are sodium, potassium, magnesium and calcium. These electrolytes serve a variety of important purposes in the body and help your nerves, muscles, heart and brain function properly.

Electrolytes are so vital, Falcone adds, that their levels are strictly regulated in the body to ensure that basic processes are not disrupted. So if you sweat during a long workout, it’s important to replace lost electrolytes in addition to water.

How we can replenish what we lost when we sweat

Water is essential for hydration – no surprises there.

But during a longer workout – especially as you increase the intensity – a drink like Beachbody Performance Hydrates can help replenish both Fluids and electrolytes to help you maintain higher levels of performance.*

Because, in addition to all their other roles, electrolytes in hydrating drinks play a crucial role in helping the body absorb water more effectively and maintain optimal fluid balance. Adding Beachbody Performance Hydrate to your water bottle can help replenish these electrolytes so you can rehydrate more efficiently.

“Electrolytes help with that Osmolality of the drink, which makes it easier for the body to absorb the water,” explains Falcone. This focus on osmolality makes Beachbody Performance Hydrate more beneficial for hydration than water alone.

To ensure you get the ideal electrolyte balance, Beachbody Performance Hydrates is formulated with a science-backed combination of electrolytes and carbohydrates to optimize hydration, improve endurance and boost muscle recovery.*

“Carbohydrate-electrolyte drinks have been shown in clinical studies to support endurance,” says Falcone. “Carbohydrates provide energy to working muscles, and electrolytes support several body processes necessary for training.”

To make the most of it Beachbody Performance HydratesIt’s best to drink it during or after training. Mix one serving with 8 ounces of water every 30 minutes of exercise to maintain hydration and support performance.*

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.