Sweating, dehydration and salt levels...

Dinomania

Dinomania

Dinomania

Soldato
Joined
21 Apr 2003
Posts
4,328
A friend suggested something to me the other day when I was saying how I'm 'bad' because I like a fair amount of salt (think we were having eggs and soldiers, I always pour a little pile of salt by the egg to dip the soldiers in after the yolk). Also I like lots on my chips.

So, I'm an unfortunate woman in that when I exercise, I sweat easily. Even if it's just a brisk walk or a dance. Thankfully it isn't coming out in torrents, but it doesn't take all that much to set it off, so it can add up to quite a lot over an active day.

Now I'm cycling to work loads more, I'm suffering more headaches, and drinking more water doesn't seem to get rid of them.

Can it be that my liking of salt is basically a craving for what I need? Should I be trying to pick up drinks or sachets of electrolytes to take in more salt, and maybe sugar after exercise? Would squash be better than plain water? Should I start putting sugar in my coffee (only have two a day) instead of a sweetener?

I don't mean this to be medical so sorry if it's leaning in that direction...

Was just an interesting thought, really.
 
Sweating a lot during exercise is healthy, and good for the skin.

As FF said, just sounds like you have too much salt in your diet.

No to extra sugars, just hydrate properly. Normal water is fine, and take an electrolyte drink (lucozade type drink) for during your cycle.
 
Increasing your zinc and magnesium intake (see google for what foods have high number of those) will help restore your body's levels. It'll take a few weeks of reduced salt and hydration to get you back to where you need to be,.
 
Aye I'm on Bikeradar too :)

Well those little salt binges aren't more than once or twice a week. I'll keep a better tabs on what I'm eating...

Have been advised to drink a good amount of plain water with a small breakfast (usually have none) before I set off in the morning (instead of my usual gulps of milk) as well as the usual bottle on the bike and bottle that I sip at over the working day. Will see what that does for me.

Cheers all..!
 
sara said:
So, I'm an unfortunate woman in that when I exercise, I sweat easily. Even if it's just a brisk walk or a dance. Thankfully it isn't coming out in torrents, but it doesn't take all that much to set it off, so it can add up to quite a lot over an active day.
Click to expand...

You may sweat a lot, but are you a salty sweater? Muscle cramps are a good indicator and if the sweat tastes overly salty. Is your kit crusted in white stuff when it dries?

Either way headaches are prob down to de-hydration as said. You need to work out how to balance the electrolytes. Sports drink during and water after or try a diarolyte afterwards. If hydration doesn't sort the issue then it could be a visit to the docs.
 
Freefaller said:
Increasing your zinc and magnesium intake (see google for what foods have high number of those) will help restore your body's levels. It'll take a few weeks of reduced salt and hydration to get you back to where you need to be,.
Click to expand...

I think this is the best advice.

I used to suffer from really bad cramps when I cycle a reasonably long distance at full capacity, every time.

I now always take a magnesium zinc tablet before I go on long distance rides. I have never had another cramp since. It really does work, for cramps anyway and in my opinion, it is directly related to hydration level.
 
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