Most of us have probably heard of electrolytes and how your body needs them. In this blog post we talk about what electrolytes are, why do we need them, what causes electrolyte imbalance and how can you replenish electrolytes. Without further delay, let’s find out!
What Are Electrolytes?
As their name hints, electrolytes are electrically charged nutrients present in your tissues and body fluids. These nutrients are essential for a wide range of important functions. The electrical charge electrolytes provide sends signals throughout your body. Essentially, electrolytes act as messengers in your body.
So what is the point of electrolytes and what do those signals do? Electrolytes help balance the amount of water and PH-level in your body, support the nervous system, regulate muscle function, promote good cardiovascular health and proper digestion.
When electrolyte levels become too low or too high, it creates an electrolyte imbalance and your body may start to send out false signals. This can result in various symptoms like twitching and cramping muscles, aching bones, headaches, digestive issues, weakness, irritability, anxiety and in worst cases irregular heartbeat, changes in blood pressure and seizures.
The major electrolytes in your body include:
Calcium – supports your nervous system, helps regulate muscle function, promotes healthy bones and teeth, helps with blood clotting and has a role in cell division;
Phosphorus / Phosphate – promotes healthy bones, teeth and tissue growth;
Magnesium – supports the nervous system, helps regulate muscle function, digestion and heart rhythm, helps improve mood and sleep quality;
Chloride – supports fluid and electrolyte balance in your body, balances your body’s PH level
Sodium – supports your nervous system, helps regulate muscle function, and helps maintain fluid balance;
Potassium – promotes healthy blood pressure, supports the nervous system, helps regulate muscle function and supports healthy bones.
What Causes Electrolyte Loss And Imbalance?
You know when sometimes after exercise or illness you feel sluggish, your muscles start twitching and cramping, or your digestion has changed? Well that’s because your body has got rid of the necessary electrolytes by fluid loss and can’t properly send out signals anymore.
Most commonly electrolyte loss occurs after your body has lost a lot of fluids. This happens when you exercise, sweat (important when you live in a hot climate!), vomit, suffer from diarrhea, while traveling or when you’ve had one too many drinks. Electrolyte loss or imbalance can also happen due to various illnesses or when you’ve been eating unhealthy for a longer period of time.
By the way! Menstruation is also another factor that can cause an electrolyte imbalance. To maintain healthy electrolyte levels, relieve dehydration and support recovery, you should load up on your electrolyte intake.
How To Replenish Electrolytes?
You’ll get a lot of electrolytes from the foods you eat. It’s so important to eat a healthy and balanced diet, because this will help you prevent electrolyte imbalance. As we talked earlier, eating an unhealthy diet full of processed foods can lead to electrolyte loss, so it’s important to give your body the nutrients it needs for normal functioning. Not to mention, processed foods are often high in sodium, putting you more at risk of electrolyte imbalance.
For example, leafy greens like spinach and kale are packed with magnesium. Dairy products, eggs, meat and fish, but also lots of vegetables and beans contain a lot of calcium. Bananas, avocados, sweet potatoes and tomatoes are a great source of potassium. If you’re craving something super hydrating then cucumbers, watermelon, celery and bell peppers are perfect for that!
Also, because electrolytes balance the amount of water in your body, it is important to stay properly hydrated. Drinking enough water helps flush you body from excess salts to prevent electrolyte imbalance and keep the water balance in check in your cells. However, if you drink too much water, your body may start to get rid of too many of those essential nutrients.
Drinking plenty of water is especially important when you exercise and sweat. The longer and harder your workouts are, the more you probably need to restore your body’s electrolyte levels. If a healthy diet just isn’t enough then adding an Electrolyte supplement to your routine may be the ideal solution.
You can read more about our Electrolyte supplement by clicking HERE.
Our Electrolytes are in capsule form, making it such an easy way to replenish your electrolyte levels. No need to mix in a drink, just swallow one capsule and you’re good to go! It’s keto-friendly and no sugar or sweeteners have been added. Plus, in contains vitamin D, boron and BioPerine for better absorption.
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