At SOMA Hydration, we've crafted an electrolyte powder richer in essential minerals, making it perfectly aligned to meet athletic performance requirements. You might wonder why we’ve increased the sodium content beyond the typical guidelines. Well, simply put, the guidelines for the general population don't align with scientific research for those striving for peak athletic performance. Let us explain:
Why More Sodium?
Research strongly suggests that sodium intake higher than typical guidelines is beneficial for athletes. But before we dive into more performance-oriented needs, let’s consider the general population. A study published in Pubmed found that the optimal daily sodium intake for many falls between 4-6 grams per day. Their findings reveal an interesting J-shaped curve when it comes to sodium intake: both too little and too much can be harmful.
Similarly, a 2014 meta-analysis identified a U-shaped relationship between sodium intake and health outcomes. The study found that consuming less than 2.6 grams of sodium per day was linked to a higher risk of cardiovascular events and overall mortality compared to intakes ranging from 2.6 to 5 grams.
However, these figures don't necessarily tell the story of an athlete or at the least someone who trains hard and often.
For athletes, particularly those engaging in intense or frequent training, sodium needs can be even higher—up to 8 grams per day or more depending on the specific context. This can increase further in hot or humid conditions. These findings are supported by experts like Dr. Andy Galpin, Dr. James DiNicolantonio, Thomas DeLauer and Dr. Michael Ruscio.
Other scientific research clearly indicates that most athletes require higher sodium intakes than the standard recommendations. A 2011 study, published in PubMed, found that athletes can lose several grams of sodium through training alone. The study estimates that daily sodium losses for athletes range from 3.5 to 7 grams, which is in addition to their baseline sodium needs.
Barnes et al. (2019) conducted a study on sweat and sodium loss in 1,303 athletes, finding significant variations in sweat loss. Athletes on the higher end lost up to 1.5 litres per hour, while those on the lower end lost around 0.83 litres per hour. Focusing on gym and endurance training, non-competitive gym-goers lost about one litre of sweat per hour, resulting in a sodium loss of approximately 955.84 mg. Endurance athletes lost 1.28 litres of sweat per hour, equivalent to about 1,188 mg of sodium. It’s worth noting that the study participants generally weighed between 60 and 80 kg, so heavier individuals might experience different sweat and sodium loss rates.
With all this in mind, it's clear that athletes have different sodium needs that go beyond typical guidelines. Next, we'll dive into how SOMA is designed to meet these specific electrolyte demands and help you perform at your best.
SOMA’s Electrolyte Blend
Our formula includes:
- 800mg of Sodium
- 200mg of Potassium
- 50mg of Magnesium
These quantities align with the natural electrolyte loss ratio in sweat, making it an effective option for athletes who strive to perform at their best.
Sodium: A Key Pillar Of Hydration
Our sodium content is higher than most electrolyte products for a reason. As we’ve seen, training leads to significant sodium loss, making it essential to replenish adequately. But what exactly does sodium do for us?
Sodium plays a crucial role in preventing cramps, maintaining optimal hydration, and boosting energy levels. Many athletes follow a largely whole-food diet that can be naturally low in sodium. SOMA's higher sodium content helps fill this gap, ensuring you stay at peak performance.
Potassium: Balanced but Essential
While sodium is lost in significant amounts through sweat, potassium is lost at a lower rate. Potassium is vital for muscle contractions, nerve function, and maintaining energy balance. SOMA electrolyte mix is carefully formulated to provide just the right amount of potassium to meet your athletic needs without overloading your system.
Magnesium: Energy and Recovery
Magnesium is crucial for energy production and muscle recovery. While you don’t need to replace it as often as sodium, it’s still key for keeping your muscles and overall health in check. Magnesium helps with muscle function, nerve signals, and maintaining energy levels, so keeping your magnesium levels up is important for feeling your best and recovering well.
Why Our Electrolyte Balance Works
SOMA’s electrolyte mix is crafted for athletes who need the right balance of electrolytes to perform at their best. With SOMA, you get a scientifically supported electrolyte blend that keeps you optimally hydrated, leading to consistent energy levels, and faster recovery.
How to Use Soma Hydration
- Mix one 4g stick sachet with 400-600ml cold water 90 minutes before your session. This provides 800mg of sodium.
- Consume another 4g serving intra workout for demanding/long sessions, or when training in a hot or humid climate.
Ready to Elevate Your Performance?
See how SOMA can boost your performance by clicking here. Get ready to take your game to the next level.
