Hydration under fire
As a firefighter, your body’s level of hydration is important around the clock, but when you kick up the intensity in your activity or the heat you’re exposed to it becomes crucial for survival. In the profession of firefighting, current studies show that proper hydration literally is the difference between life and death. With over 50-percent of Line-of-Duty-Deaths (LODD) being health related to sudden cardiac events and health related issues, properly maintaining our bodies can make the difference.
Recently I had the opportunity to trial the Phytosport Complete Hydration from Arbonne and put the product through its paces. It was a hot July day with heat index into the mid-90’s to the typical body, but on the day I tried the hydration packets there was nothing typical about the test. As the sun beat down on the pavement for four hours of auto extrication training, the heat within my firefighting turnout gear was intense and within minutes began zapping my body of crucial hydration and nutrients.
I had hydrated throughout the morning and even properly the night before this training. From almost 16 years experience in the fire service I knew first hand just how much it could zap my body in the heat of the day. What I didn’t plan for was extra time in the gear from working a motor vehicle crash (MVC) within two hours of the training that day. Already a little drained from the heat I first turned to water which cooled me off an did offer some relief, but didn’t really do much more. I tore open the packet of Tropical Berry Complete Hydration and poured in into my bottle of water. The fruity smell with no crazy undertones, chemicals, or odd powdery odors filled the air. I shook the bottle quickly and the powder dissipated in no time to something that was colored, but mostly transparent.
The first sip was tasty and nothing like I expected. Over the years of firefighting, and fitness I have tried some interesting products and been mostly dissatisfied with everything I came across, but the Arbonne product was different. It was refreshing, crisp, had just the right amount of flavor, and went down smoother than the other big name hydration products you might be used to. The big name hydration drinks always seem to be like drinking syrup, and on a hot day I can’t tell you how many times I’ve struggled to keep it down. On the other hand, I’ve had a number of these powder drink packets that seem just like a watered down product and don’t feel like they offer any relief. Complete Hydration was neither, it was the perfect level of flavor that sat well and I was able to consume with no side affects. Very quickly I could tell the difference between the previous 16 ounces of water that I consumed and the 16 ounces of Arbonne infused water. Within only a few minutes I felt a relief that I had not experienced before in rehydrating. Not only was my body responding to the difference in the drink, but also my mind and clarity of thought were greatly improved, leaving me feeling ready to reengage.
Once the first bottle was down, I turned once again back to regular water to hydrate to see the difference. Again, it only cooled me off, but offered little more relief than that. The bottle following that was again mixed with the Complete Hydration and offered a great experience, hydration, and quick jolt of energy back into my body.
Whats the difference?
When it comes to the labels, comparing Arbonne to some of the other popular hydration drinks you find around the firehouse, there were some big differences. First off the Arbonne has no dyes, no artificial flavors, less sugar, and fewer calories. Then there are the other differences; Arbonne has more sodium, potassium, and vitamins A/C/E than the others. I’m no healthcare professional, but have spent enough years reading labels, educating myself, and researching health products to see that Arbonne is definitely something I need to utilize.
It goes without saying that sure, you can go buy any sports drink easily at any local gas station, or even pour yourself a glass of cold H20 to hydrate your body, but are you really providing your body what it needs? While not as convenient to have to order a product and wait for it to be shipped, it is worth the short wait in shipping to give your body the best advantage.
I see myself picking up more of the Complete Hydration for after a fire, those long workdays, and competition days when I need to be on top of my game. It truly gave me an experience that I have not had before.
This is the second of the Arbonne products that I have had the opportunity to put to the test under real world conditions, and not just sips to taste and see if I “liked” it. As with any of my reviews of a product, I am going to put it through the paces rather than just giving it a quick thumbs up.
Interested in trying the Arbonne products that I have mentioned? I recommend you contact and order through: Kayla Shomaker, Arbonne Independent Consultant, District Manager
email-cmkayla@gmail.com
Phone (740) 485-1665
Website: kaylashomaker.arbonne.com