Potassium, magnesium and all supplements against heat and fatigue

Tiredness e exhaustion, which can easily occur in summer, are due to many factors, almost all of which can be traced back to high ambient temperatures, especially if accompanied by high humidity.

In these conditions our body must keep its internal temperature constant, roughly around 36-37 ° C, to allow all biochemical reactions and essential physiological mechanisms to take place in an optimal way.

While in conditions of low external temperatures, our body is able to maintain an adequate level of temperature both with the heat generated by metabolic reactions (burning the food ingested and thus generating heat), and through the production of heat obtained from muscle work, in summer, our body must find a way to disperse the excess heat produced; a real undertaking.

To operate this natural thermoregulation in the presence of high heat and sultry, the body uses different strategies. First of all increases the production of sweat: in doing so it displaces water from its interior to the skin surface.

As a second step dilates the surface blood vessels to allow greater dispersion of body heat (and this leads to a reduction in blood pressure which can make you feel particularly weakened and unresponsive)

Sweating also contributes to exacerbating this annoying sensation, as through sweat water and mineral salts are abundantly lost precious for the efficiency of the organism, in particular, potassium and magnesium.

If not promptly replenished, water loss can lead to states of dehydration manifested by muscle fatigue, difficulty concentrating and light-headedness.

HOW TO RECOVER THE FORCES?

Note the cause, the solution is obvious. To stay active and responsive on a physical and mental level in spite of the oppressive heat, it is essential to guarantee the body the right amount of water and mineral salts, by drinking liquids (water, fruit and vegetable centrifuges, tea, herbal teas, etc.) in abundance and several times a day.

But also the diet must take into account the need to maintain the hydro-salt balance and to avoid any additional metabolic effort for the organism. Hence, they are preferred nutritious but light foods, fresh and rich in liquids, minerals and vitamins, like fruit and vegetables, in all possible forms. And for a correct summer menu, just bring fish and legumes to the table (to get the right amount of noble proteins and further precious mineral salts), a few eggs, use moderate quantities of meats and cheeses and prefer cereals, preferably whole grains.

WHAT IF THIS IS NOT ENOUGH?

Those who, despite these precautions, still feel tired and exhausted can find additional help in specific supplements of potassium, magnesium and vitamins, able to ensure even with a single sachet a day, a large part of the daily requirement of these elements.

Some supplements to reduce the state of fatigue that occurs especially in summer, are also enriched in substances which, by intervening in the muscle metabolic processes, support the muscular system to be more “tonic” and less suffering. Creatine, carnitine, coenzyme Q10, B vitamins, ginseng and others are added precisely for this purpose.

ARE THERE CONTRAINDICATIONS OR THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE TAKING THIS TYPE OF SUPPLEMENTS?

Second Supplements Italy, the Italian trade association belonging to Confindustria and part of the Unione Italiana Food, the food supplement, as its name implies, “integrates” the common diet in order to maintain the health of the organism. The use of these products therefore it should never be intended as a substitute for a correct diet nor compensation for an incorrect lifestyle. However, there are situations or moments in the life of each of us in which the intake of some micronutrients may not be adequate to the needs, as often happens in the summer. In this case, food supplements can be a valuable aid for maintaining well-being. The important thing is to respect the dosage indicated on the label and, if in doubt, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Let’s see the most effective ones to use in this period in the gallery above.