Have you heard of electrolytes? If so, do you know why they are vital to your health? If not, this article got you covered! Medically, electrolytes are defined as ions (positively and negative charged particles) that are created when minerals and other salts dissolve and dissociate in water. For example, table salt (NaCl) dissolved in water breaks apart the positive ion, sodium or Na, and negative ion, chloride or Cl. These two ions are known as electrolytes.
Why Are Electrolytes Important?
What makes electrolytes important is that they control how and where fluids are dispersed throughout the body. They maintain balance of fluids inside and outside of each your cells. This balance ensures proper operation of your hydration levels, muscular functions, pH levels and nerve impulses.
Here are the 7 major electrolytes found in your body:
- Sodium (Na+) – Mainly responsible for regulating the total amount of water in the body.
- Potassium (K+) – Essential to regulating heartbeat and muscle function.
- Chloride (Cl–) – Aids sodium in maintaining a proper balance of fluids throughout the body
- Calcium (Ca2+) – In addition to being essential for strong, healthy bones, calcium also helps transmission of blood clots, nerve impulses and muscle contractions
- Magnesium (Mg2+) – Regulates heart rate, immune system, nerve and muscle function, stabilizes blood sugar, and promotes the creation of bones and teeth.
- Bicarbonate (HCO3-) Help maintain pH levels; thus counteracts lactic acid buildup in your muscles during strenuous workouts.
- Phosphate (PO42-) – Works with calcium to maintain strong, healthy bones and contributes to energy production in the cells (i.e., helps with muscle growth & recovery)
What Causes Electrolyte Imbalance?
As you just read, each electrolyte plays a vital role to ensure your body functions properly. So what happens when you become deficient in one or more electrolytes? This is referred to as electrolyte imbalance. Some of the most well-known chronic diseases occur due to electrolyte imbalance.
Here are examples of some chronic illnesses that are caused by electrolyte imbalance:
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease
- Kidney disease
- Kidney failure
- Thyroid disorders
- Cancer
Those are the extreme cases of electrolyte imbalance. One of the common issues caused by electrolyte imbalance that people deal with regularly, especially if they’re an athlete, is muscle cramps. That is mainly caused during exercise when your muscles are dehydrated. Also low levels of calcium and potassium can cause unexpected muscle cramps. Overall, electrolyte imbalance is the root of muscle cramps.
Here are the some of the common things that causes your body to lose electrolytes:
- Diarrhea
- Dehydration
- Chronic alcoholism
- Broken bones
- Vomiting
- Malnutrition
- Diuretics
- Penicillin
- Laxatives
- Excessive sweating
- Severe burns
How to Balance Electrolytes?
How to treat or prevent electrolyte imbalance? Most people (especially athletes) want to know the answer to this question after dealing with muscle cramps. Here are 5 ways to stabilize your electrolytes level:
- Drink plenty water
- Eat several servings of vegetables & fruits
- Drink milk
- Add a sprinkle of salt of your food
- Take supplements that are rich in calcium, magnesium, potassium and Vitamin D like Fluid Liberty PRO, UK based Supplement By Vita wellness Pro
Basically, eating a nutritious diet will supply you with an adequate amount of electrolytes. Nonetheless, if you are an athlete or a highly active individual, then investing in supplements is essential.
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