9 Minerals that are Important for Hydration

The title of this article may be slightly puzzling, because minerals aren't the thing that directly hydrates the body. Water is what hydrates the body.

But before you click out of here, let me clarify.

Minerals are crucial when we are talking about hydration because they play an essential role in maintaining balance in the overall hydration of the body. We need to drink plenty of water, but these minerals are required to help our body regulate the movement and absorption of water.

Here are nine minerals that contribute to proper hydration and fluid balance in the body.

1. Sodium: Sodium is one of several electrolytes that helps to regulate fluid balance by attracting and retaining water in the body. It plays a crucial role in maintaining proper hydration levels. In fact, it is often used by first responders for dehydration.
2. Potassium: Potassium is another important electrolyte that helps regulate fluid balance and is involved in muscle contraction. It works in conjunction with sodium to maintain the body’s water balance, often doing the opposite of sodium to keep balance between them.
3. Magnesium: Magnesium is a mineral which is involved in over 300 enzymatic reactions in the body, including those related to energy production and muscle function. It also helps maintain proper fluid balance, working alongside potassium at times.
4. Calcium: We often think of calcium for its role in maintaining strong bones and teeth, but there is much more that calcium does to nourish our body. It also plays a role in nerve function, muscle contractions, and fluid balance regulation.
5. Chloride: Chloride is yet another electrolyte that works alongside sodium and potassium to maintain fluid balance. It is often found in the form of sodium chloride (table salt).
6. Phosphorus: Phosphorus is a mineral that is involved in energy production and bone health. Additionally, it plays a role in maintaining fluid balance in the body. 
7. Zinc: Zinc is an essential mineral that supports immune function, protein synthesis, and wound healing. It also contributes to maintaining proper fluid balance.
8. Manganese: The trace mineral manganese is involved in various enzymatic reactions in the body. It supports the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, which indirectly affects hydration.
9. Iron: Iron is necessary for the production of hemoglobin, a protein that carries oxygen in the blood. Adequate oxygenation is essential for overall health and optimal bodily functions, including fluid balance.

As you can see, there are many minerals that help support the balance of water in the body. Of course, if you forget to drink enough water, there is no way for these minerals to help keep you hydrated. In addition to getting an adequate amount of these minerals, every day you should drink half of your body weight in ounces to stay hydrated.

- Melanie Skelton, Master Herbalist