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Electrolytes and Nutrition

Cyclists know that maintaining the proper balance of electrolytes is essential to our optimal physical performance. But have you ever stopped to wonder why this is so important?

Electrolytes are minerals in our blood and body fluids that carry an electric charge. Some common examples of electrolytes include sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, phosphorus and chloride. These minerals affect the amount of water in our bodies, our muscle function, the acidity or pH of our blood, and other important physical processes.

Without electrolytes, the cells in our bodies can't communicate with each other to perform their essential functions. We need electrolytes sending a consistent wave of energy to all the cells in our body in order to keep our muscular, digestive, nervous and cardiac systems performing smoothly without interruption or decreased power.

We lose electrolytes when we sweat so replacing them is critical. If we fail to maintain the proper balance of electrolytes, painful muscle cramping may result. Once muscle cramping begins, the body has already been significantly compromised.

What’s the best way to replace lost electrolytes before cramping starts without consuming huge amounts of unneeded sugar from commercial energy drinks? Try taking one to three tablets per hour of a product such as Hammer Nutrition’s Endurolytes in capsule/powder form. 

Effervescent Hammer Endurolytes Fizz tablets mixed into your water bottle are a super popular option with our cyclists. We have several tasty flavors available in the store.

 

It’s very important to note that these products are NOT a source of calories. For longer rides, you'll need to make sure that you also consume a food bar or nutrition product of some sort (we have lots of healthy options of those in stock, too). 

Love, Peace and Bicycle Grease,

Matt & Julie

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