A proper diet is a key contributor to hydration

Parents and coaches are focused on keeping athletes properly hydrated during sports.

And while consuming water and sports drinks are the primary ways athletes go about keeping their fluid levels up, eating the right kinds of food also provides a major on-field boost.

Some major electrolytes in constant need of replenishing are sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium and chloride.

As Christina Strudwick wrote in Stack.com, the following foods are the most effective at providing athletes needed replenishment following strenuous competition.

• Sodium. dill pickle, deli meat, tomato juice, tomato sauce, tomato soup
• Potassium. baked potato with skin, yogurt, beans, spinach, avocado
• Magnesium. spinach, pumpkin seeds, whole grains, avocado, yogurt
• Calcium. dairy, dark greens (spinach, kale), broccoli, almonds, sardines
• Chloride. tomatoes, lettuce, olives, seaweed, rye

Other foods Strudwick recommends to help with hydration are:

• Turkey sandwiches
• Sushi
• Smoothies
• Big salads
• Loaded potatoes