Hydration, once seen as a sports-only concern, is now a daily wellbeing essential for anyone spending time outdoors, commuting, working in hot spaces, or socialising outside. According to REVIVE, a South African electrolyte brand formulated with science-backed mineral ratios, the key is not just drinking more water, but hydrating smarter.
“Dehydration doesn’t only happen on a sports field,” says Mark Myerson, CEO of REVIVE. “It’s common at the beach, on long road trips, at festivals, at a braai, or even during a normal workday in extreme heat.”
Even mild dehydration (as little as 1–2% loss of body water) has been shown in studies to affect mood, concentration, reaction time and perceived effort – effects that intensify as temperatures rise.
Electrolytes such as sodium, potassium and magnesium play essential roles in regulating fluid balance, nerve signalling, temperature control and muscle function. When you sweat, you lose water and minerals which is why water alone is not enough to restore balance.
“What most people don’t realise is that when electrolytes drop, your energy, mood and focus go with them,” explains Myerson. “Hydration is chemistry. The body absorbs and retains water far more effectively when electrolytes are present.”
This makes electrolytes helpful for everyday summer moments, including:
- long beach days
- hiking or outdoor exercise
- gardening or home maintenance
- festivals and social events
- road trips
- hosting or attending a braai
- working in hot or poorly ventilated spaces
Salt has long been framed as something to avoid, but emerging global research shows a more nuanced picture. One of the largest long-term nutrition surveys ever done, the US NHANES study, found that individuals with higher sodium intake had better longevity outcomes and lower cardiovascular risk.
While sodium needs differ between people, the data supports a simple truth: Sodium is essential for proper hydration, cellular function and fluid balance.
“In the context of hydration, sodium plays a fundamental role,” says Myerson. “Without enough sodium, the body simply cannot absorb water effectively.”
To help South Africans stay “summer strong”, REVIVE recommends:
- Start early: Begin hydrating before heat exposure rather than waiting until you feel tired or thirsty.
- Balance water with electrolytes: Drinking excessive plain water can dilute essential minerals. An electrolyte mix supports better absorption and fluid balance.
- Choose hydrating foods: Incorporate water-rich fruits and vegetables, naturally salty snacks, and mineral-rich meals.
- Take shade and cool-down breaks: Short pauses out of the sun help the body regulate internal temperature and avoid rapid fluid loss.
- Alternate drinks at social events: Swap every alcoholic drink with electrolytes or a mineral-containing hydration mix to stabilise fluid levels.
- Know the early signs of dehydration: Headaches, irritability, dizziness, nausea, cramps and fatigue are indicators your body needs fluids and minerals, not just water.
This season, REVIVE encourages South Africans to choose hydration that supports both performance and daily wellbeing, helping them stay balanced, energised and summer strong.
Bongi Sikelo 