"Electrolytes, they're what our bodies crave!"

If anyone didn't get that quote, it's from the movie, Idiocracy, which was simultaneously one of the scariest and funniest movies ever (mainly because it touched on social truths we don't want to acknowledge).

Why am I mentioning electrolytes? Because they ARE what our body craves. They're a key component of our health, and we athletes/dancers/ people-who-move really need to make sure we replenish them! Proper electrolyte balance affects healthy hydration of the body, blood pH levels, and is essential to nerve and muscle function. The most common cause of an electrolyte imbalance is through dehydration, whether through exercise or because you don't drink enough water. Other causes of electrolyte imbalance include diarrhea, vomiting, intoxication, extreme hunger, and even female ejaculation.

I never did thank Shannon-Marie for her recent Zico coconut water giveaway, which I won! Within a couple days of the giveaway, I received three flavors: mango, passion fruit, and the natural kind. I've been using them in my breakfast smoothies and after my workouts since then! Zico writes that one of its 11 oz packs of coconut water has more potassium than a banana, zero fat, no sugar, 5 essential electrolytes (K, Na, Mg, Ca and P), and low acidity levels (which is NOT the case with other 'sports drinks' which are also high in sodium). Not bad!

Coconut water is a natural isotonic beverage. It has the same level of electrolyte balance as we have. It maintains proper muscle performance, energy, and promotes weight-loss, heart health, stress reduction, skin, hair, and nail health, alkaline balance, mental acuity, and serves as a kidney cleanser. All in all, coconut water is nature's cure to a good sweaty workout, or just to maintain your overall health! Thanks for keeping me healthy, Shannon Marie!