What is Osmolality?
Ok, have you seen the influx of hydration products in your local grocery store? I know I have! They’re everywhere! There seem to be too many to choose from. So, what is the purpose of this product? Each product has its own magical formula that claims to hold the promise of ultimate health. The goal of these hydration products, I believe, is Osmolality. What do you know about Osmolality and Hydration? Allow me to take a stab at interpreting and shedding some light on this phenomenon.
First and foremost, let’s establish the definition of Osmolality. According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, the definition of osmolarity is: the concentration of an osmotic solution especially when measured in osmols or milliosmols per liter of solution. My interpretation of that would mean that an Osmolality test would show me what my fluid levels look like. Similar to the car you drive, you have to have a solution in your radiator that cools the engine. The fluid you use has a perfect balance of chemicals that keep the heat from overheating the engine. We could use plain water, which I am guilty of doing, but that only allows the temperature inside the engine to boil the water and cause the water to quickly evaporate therefore overheating the engine. This concept is similar to the body and hydration.
When I think of hydration, I think of only water. I imagine downing a lot of water, which also means a lot of trips to the bathroom. Nowhere in there do I remotely consider electrolyte balance or the possibility of overheating my engine. Allow me to define hydration, again, using the definition set by Merriam-Webster’s dictionary: a compound formed by the union of water with some other substance. Let’s take a deeper look into what that “other substance” is.
Our bodies are made up of minerals that are used for cooling our engines and controlling the fluid levels inside our bodies. The main minerals I look for when running labwork on a client are Sodium, Magnesium, Potassium, and Chloride. The importance of these minerals is massive. Since human physiology adapts to averages, the more time you spend with an unhealthy mineral imbalance will eventually lead to potential issues that will affect your kidneys, heart, and overall performance. Just like a car’s radiator fluid, if you’re strictly using water, you are guaranteed to pay a hefty mechanic bill.
Day in and day out, well-meaning folks walk around the gym sporting a clear gallon of water. They are drenched in sweat and what is in that gallon will not replenish what they are wearing on their shirt. It never has and it never will. Minerals have to be replaced. Sure, we get sodium and other minerals from our food, but not near enough to replenish the tank. Another area where I see a need for proper hydration education is in the high school sports scene.
My recommendation is pre-hydration.
Consume a gallon of water mixed with an electrolyte solution (aka Osmolarity fluid) and consume it within 24 hours pre-game or workout. Not only will this help with stabilizing your blood Osmolarity levels, but it will also aid in keeping cramping to a minimum. In my experience, I have seen positive impacts from the effects of proper hydration before hitting the gym or the game.
If you are interested in going a step further in your own bloodwork journey, I have linked a cool Omni Calculator below that helps to identify potential dehydration issues and provides a snapshot of Osmolarity (mineral/electrolyte) health.
After spending some time analyzing my own blood labs, I was able to come up with a great balance for Osmolarity health! Check out my product, the Hydration Station.
And if I’m being honest with you, there isn’t a product out there that is better than the other. The focal point will be finding the right balance for you and your consistency with showing up for your own health.
Best wishes to you and your health!
517 Performance
