What is sweat made of?

If you’re dripping with sweat after a workout, you know it’s time to rehydrate.

But before you reach for your water bottle, it’s important to understand exactly what sweat is made of, because when we sweat, we lose more than just water—we lose electrolytes, too. Replacing these key minerals can help they hydrate more effectively and maintain peak performance.

Here’s what you need to know about the science behind sweat.

Why do we sweat?

Sweat is your body’s natural cooling system. When you feel hot—whether it’s from a hot day, spicy food, a nerve-wracking situation, or intense exercise—your body increases sweat production to stay cool.

“We generally sweat to help regulate body temperature in hot conditions,” says Paul Falcone, MS, principal scientist at BODi. “When the water evaporates from the sweat, it cools the skin.”

Your skin contains millions of sweat glandsand about a liter of sweat evaporates from the skin every day.

What do our bodies lose through sweat?

“Sweat is made up mostly of water and electrolytes, which are essential minerals in the body,” explains Falcone. Sweat may also contain traces of urea, uric acid, ammonia, vitamin C and other substances.

The primary electrolytes we lose when we sweat are sodium, potassium, magnesium and calcium. These electrolytes serve a various important purposes in the body and help keep your nerves, muscles, heart and brain working properly.

Electrolytes are so vital, Falcone adds, that their levels are strictly regulated in the body to ensure that essential processes are not disrupted. So when you sweat during a longer workout, it’s important to replace the electrolytes you’re losing in addition to water.

How to replenish what is lost when we sweat

Water is essential for hydration—no surprise.

But during a longer workout—especially if you’re increasing the intensity—a drink like Beachbody Performance Hydrate can help supplement both fluids and electrolytes that help you maintain a higher level of performance.*

That’s because—along with all of their other duties—electrolytes play a vital role in hydration drinks by helping the body absorb water more efficiently and maintain optimal fluid balance. By adding Beachbody Performance Hydrate to your water bottle, you can replenish these electrolytes so you can rehydrate more effectively.

“Electrolytes help with osmolality drinks, which means the body absorbs water more easily,” explains Falcone. This focus on osmolality makes Beachbody Performance Hydrate more beneficial for hydration than water alone.

To ensure ideal electrolyte balance, Beachbody Performance Hydrate is formulated with a science-backed combination of electrolytes and carbohydrates to optimize hydration, improve endurance and help jump-start muscle recovery.*

“Carbohydrate-electrolyte drinks have been shown in clinical trials to support endurance,” says Falcone. “Carbohydrates they provide fuel for working muscles, and electrolytes support several body processes necessary for exercise.

To get the most out of it Beachbody Performance Hydrateit is best to drink during or after training. Mix one serving with 8 ounces of water every 30 minutes of exercise to help maintain fluid balance and support performance.*

* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.