Electrolytes and overcoming Fatigue

I've been working out twice a day for several weeks. I've noticed that my energy levels and with it my enthusiasm waning. I ended up taking a day off on Monday to rest and hopefully recover.

I mentioned to a few coworkers that I couldn't seem to shake this fatigue. I had taken the day off yesterday to rest and recover but it was still with me. Jen suggested that I might be low in electrolytes or minerals and to try eating a banana. HR was downstairs passing out quarterly bonuses and had a table with fruits and donuts. I got a very green banana and after eating it the fatigue was noticeably less within a few minutes.

I talked to Vince about my fatigue and he agreed that the problem was probably depleted electrolytes. He reminded me that muscles use potassium and sodium to contract and relax. If these minerals get out of balance then you may experience cramps or fatigue. He told me that he made sure his muscles had everything they need to assure performance by using Hammer endurolyte supplements before and after long runs. He gave me a link to look it up and buy some.

I remember back when I worked on the farm or ranch all day during the summer I was given a salt supplement. I was told that it was to ward off heat exhaustion and worse heat stroke. It seemed to work.

When I got home, I shook some Redmond Sea Salt into a cup of water and drank it. I noticed I felt better and I had extra energy. Is it possible that sea salt and water can replace electrolytes as well as these commercial supplements? It would be a lot cheaper than Gatorade or other electrolyte replenishment drinks.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone