An important part of any healthy living plan involves exercise. Of those who lose weight, 95% of those who keep it off are those who exercise regularly.

If you exercise or do activities for more than 90 minutes, it is expecially important that you drink not only water, but also take in a drink that also replenishes your sodium levels. When you sweat, you are pushing water and salt out of your sweat pores. If you do not take in both at an equal rate, you are at risk of hyponatremia.

Most poeple can lose up to 27 ounces of water/salt in an hour of exercising. So it's important to drink a sports drink at that rate, to keep your body in equilibrium. That's why it's so important for runners to drink regularly while they travel in their marathons.

If your sodium levels start getting too low, it can cause serious side effects. Your hands and feet swell, you become exhausted and dizzy, and can even feel like throwing up. You stop thinking clearly and often get a headache.

So while water is perfect for general drinking all during the day, if you are exercising, be sure to have a sports drink at hand. It's not only the water that you need to get back into you - but sodium and electrolytes as well.

Exercise a few times each week, and watch your fitness level soar, and your weight get to a wonderful, healthy level!