Everyone knows that water is important to our health, but did you know that the electrolytes in our cells are also important?
Electrolytes regulate the body’s fluid balance. They are found naturally in fruits and veggies, and also come in the form of O.R.S Hydration electrolyte tablets and powders. Oftentimes, these are used to treat dehydration and fatigue from high-endurance sports.
So, what are Electrolytes?
Electrolytes are essential minerals your body absorbs through food. They help to maintain healthy concentrations of minerals, salts, and acids in your blood. Sodium and potassium are the most common electrolytes your body needs to maintain its normal functions. The human body is made up of approximately 75% water, and electrolytes are necessary to keep your body functioning properly.
They help conduct electrical impulses through your body’s nerve and muscle cells. Your muscles would get stiff without these chemicals, and your nerves wouldn’t work. This is why when you don’t drink enough water, you get muscle cramps, your heartbeat is off, and you feel weak. Electrolytes also help regulate your blood pressure, keep your bowel and bladder working, and strengthen your bones. In order to keep your electrolytes in balance, you need to make sure you get enough water, eat a balanced diet, and exercise regularly.
The four main electrolytes present in the blood are sodium, potassium, chloride, and calcium. In addition, certain vitamins, such as vitamin B, vitamin D, and vitamin K, are required for the functioning of the electrolytes. If the body is deprived of these electrolytes, it may lead to a plethora of health complications.
What do they do in the body?
Electrolytes are chemical compounds that store energy. There are three major sources of energy for tissue activity in the body: glucose, fats, and proteins. Glucose is the main source of energy for cells and is stored in the form of glucose in cells (glycogen). When glucose is used up, it is converted to energy and stored in the form of fat (triglycerides). Fats provide energy for the body for a short time, but glycogen can be used as a quick source of energy for the body.
Electrolytes are minerals (such as sodium, chloride, magnesium, and potassium) dissolved in water. This makes it easier for the body to absorb nutrients and allows your body’s cells to function properly. When you are sick, or your body is stressed, the electrolytes in your body can become depleted, and this may cause a wide variety of symptoms, including nausea, muscle weakness, dizziness, heart palpitations, headaches, and diarrhea.
Benefits of Electrolytes:
- Electrolyte supplements are effective for many people in helping them achieve their weight loss goals. People who want to lose weight often take a number of supplements, including electrolytes, which help your body maintain proper fluid balance. Electrolytes are important in many ways and can really help with your weight loss.
- Electrolytes are needed to help maintain our body’s electrical potential or electrical charge. Because they are essential to help our body function correctly, they are also known as vital electrolytes. The three main electrolytes that are essential in our bodies are Potassium, Sodium, and Chloride.
Do you feel tired? Bloated? Unhappy? That’s because your body is telling you that it’s been starved of important nutrients, like electrolytes. Electrolytes are vital to maintaining a healthy body and support protein synthesis, muscle contraction, and nerve transmission. Electrolytes are often referred to as “the life force of the body” because they are essential for the body to function properly.
After a long day of activity, it can be tempting to reach for a snack-even if you’ve already eaten. But skipping meals can lead to low energy and a sluggish day, which can make it difficult to adhere to a healthy diet. Fortunately, there are plenty of options that are packed with electrolytes, which can help keep you feeling sharp.
