Do we actually need sodium for hydration?

The short answer - yes, absolutely! Sodium is essential for hydration for five important reasons. For everyone, sodium can help to: 

• Maintains Electrolyte Balance

  Sodium is an electrolyte. It carries an electrical charge when dissolved in fluids and blood. Maintaining the right balance of electrolytes is crucial for many physiological functions.
  
  

• Regulate Osmotic Pressure

  Osmotic pressure controls the movement of water between cells and the bloodstream. This balance is essential for keeping your cells properly hydrated.
  
  

• Supports Fluid Retention

  Sodium helps the body retain water, preventing excessive fluid loss. This retention is important during times of dehydration; hot days, post exercise, pregnancy, breastfeeding and postpartum.
  
  

• Supports Nerve Function

  Sodium is vital for nerve function. It helps transmit nerve impulses, allowing your muscles to contract and your body to respond to signals efficiently.
  
  

• Helps Regulate Blood Pressure

  Sodium works with other electrolytes like potassium to help maintain healthy blood pressure levels. An imbalance can lead to high or low pressures, impacting overall health.

Are you currently pregnant?

During pregnancy a woman’s body requires more fluid for many reasons. Pregnant women need more water for amniotic fluid, placental function, the maintenance of blood volume and to counteract additional sweating or urine output in pregnancy and so much more. Sodium intake in pregnancy can sometimes be looked upon negatively, when in actual fact, it can play a vital role in women avoiding dehydration, and the passing of vital nutrients (sodium included) to the baby via the placenta.

Are you currently breastfeeding?

Sodium is a key component of breastmilk, because babies need electrolytes as well. A breastfeeding mothers dietary sodium intake directly impacts the amount of sodium passed to the infant via her milk.

Electrolyte and sodium supplementation also helps to keep a breastfeeding woman well hydrated. This is super important when breastfeeding because adequate hydration helps to ensure that the body has the necessary fluids and minerals to help produce that milky goodness for your little one.

Current guidelines recommend that breastfeeding women aim for around 3 litre of water per day to promote and support milk supply.

There is so many vital reasons that the body requires sodium, so it’s time to stock up on Hydramama today.