Vrik

Jeff,

I had a similar experience. I felt I was not able to hydrate properly after class even though I was drinking lots of water and Emergen-C. I would not urinate for several hours after class. I tried to drink more water and Emergen-C but that did not seem to help.

After lots of experimentation I realized the Emergen-C was causing me to get more dehydrated. It contains high doses of vitamin C and other vitamins that require lots of water for our bodies to process. The more Emergen-C I took the more water I needed. I was already dehydrated from class so I was compounding my problem, upping my need for water with each sip I took.

I now opt for other electrolyte replacement options that include some sodium and some sugar. Coconut water with a pinch of salt can be helpful. Pedialyte or a generic infant electrolyte drink from the children’s aisle at the grocery store is my go-to remedy when all else fails. I opt for the clear, unsweetened version because the sweetened flavors are too much for me. That’s the liquid that I know will get me back on track.

There are also electrolyte replacement tablets, liquids, powders on the market that don’t contain lots of vitamins. Experiment for yourself to see what works best. Current medical studies show that some salt and sugar with water are important when involved in prolonged and intense exercise and sweating. Also, caffeine does have a diuretic effect and may also boost focus and performance during intense exercise.

Finally, it can be helpful to have a quick test to determine when you need more water. I do the following; I pinch up the skin on the back of my hand. If it snaps back very quickly I know I am well hydrated. If not, I know I need more liquids. I’m not sure how scientific the test is but it’s a good indicator for me. Other people may have alternate easy ways of determining their hydration levels.

All the best.