Is your water doing more harm than good when it comes to hydration? In this episode of Quiet the Diet, host Michelle welcomes Amanda Montalvo, a registered dietitian and mineral expert, to discuss the critical role of minerals in hydration and overall health, including common myths about hydration, the importance of sodium and potassium, and practical advice on optimizing mineral intake for better energy, digestion, and cellular function.

Episode highlights include:

How most people are either dehydrated or overhydrated and undermineralized, leading to ineffective hydration at the cellular level [6:13]
Why sodium and potassium are essential for proper hydration, cellular function, and maintaining electrolyte balance [7:43]
Drinking too much water without adequate minerals can stress the kidneys and deplete the body’s sodium levels [10:17]
The sodium-potassium pump's role in fluid balance and the potential issues arising from an imbalance of these two key minerals [15:02]
How sodium functions, including nutrient and hormone transport, and how it works in conjunction with potassium to maintain cellular hydration [16:23]
Challenging the belief that low sodium diets are universally beneficial, highlighting the importance of context and individual health needs
Insights from historical data, showing that humans used to consume much higher levels of sodium, often in a balanced ratio with potassium [21:13]
The pros and cons of various electrolyte supplements, emphasizing the need for balance and individualized approaches [29:24]
How stress increases the body’s demand for minerals, particularly sodium and potassium, and how this is crucial for those with conditions like POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome) [43:05]
How mineral needs vary for different populations, such as pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and those with chronic conditions [47:24]
Actionable advice on how to optimize your mineral intake through diet and supplements, depending on individual health status and lifestyle [49:48]

Watch the full episode on Youtube

This episode is sponsored by Paleo Valley. Use code QTD to get 15% off your first order.

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