One of the major elements of our body is water; our organs need it to function properly.
As we exercise and increase the intensity of physical activity, we may sweat and the body needs to replenish the water to get back to its normal state of hydration. In fact, people lose body weight from sweating. That alone is an indication of the significance of water, and why it should be replenished after we exercise.
There are many ways to rehydrate, such as
Spring water
Isotonic drinks
Isotonic drinks are made explicitly with athletes in mind to replace fluids and electrolytes lost during exercise.
Isotonic drinks usually contain water, electrolytes such as sodium or phosphate, carbohydrates, colors, flavoring, and sometimes added sugars. Many dieticians suggest athletes and people who work out for a long duration, drink isotonic drinks for the simple reason of not only replenishing fluid but the sodium lost from sweating. However, if people choose to avoid isotonic drinks, it’s important to replenish the body with electrolytes, which can also be found in coconut water.
Electrolytes can be found in foods that you can easily pack away in a gym bag as a post-workout snack.
Almonds
Dried apricots
Seaweed
Sunflower seeds
The sodium in electrolytes is significant for absorbing water and minimizing the feeling of thirst. As you're replenishing your body with the right fluids post-workout, always remember to fuel the body with electrolytes, too.
Source: (1) Wageningen University & Research: Nutrition Exercise & Sports Course (2) Cleveland Clinic: Electrolytes: Types, Purpose and Normal Levels (3) Marathon Handbook: 50+ Great Sources of Natural Electrolytes