You probably have heard of electrolytes (Brawndo has Electrolytes) and how they are essential for our overall health and well-being. But what are electrolytes, and why are they so crucial for our bodies?
What are electrolytes?
Electrolytes are compounds and minerals in our bodies that have an electrical charge. Don’t be alarmed, though. They are meant to be small conductors of electricity for our bodies. When electrolytes mix with water, they work as sources of energy to kick start and power our cells. There are several types of electrolytes, including chloride, sodium, potassium, phosphate, magnesium, calcium, and sodium.
What do electrolytes do?
Electrolytes do a lot all over your body! They regulate the pH levels in your blood and the fluids in your plasma. Electrolytes also facilitate muscle contractions. Remember that your heart is a muscle, so electrolytes help keep our heart pumping. They transmit signals from your nerves all over your body. They also help your blood clot and build new muscle tissue. Electrolytes are essential to maintaining a lot of your body’s functions.
How do you get electrolytes?
You can get electrolytes from several different recourses, primarily being your diet. Foods that are high in electrolytes include spinach, almonds, beans, peanuts, soybeans, bananas, watermelon, tomatoes, kale, tomatoes, chicken, veal, olives, raisins, and soups. This is just a small list. Having a well-balanced diet will help ensure that you are receiving all of the electrolytes that you need and that you don’t have an electrolyte imbalance.
What is an electrolyte imbalance?
An electrolyte imbalance is what happens when there are too many or not enough electrolytes in your body. Several things can cause this, including having too many or not enough electrolytes in your diet, dehydration, a symptom of kidney failure, diabetes, eating disorders, and some medications. When you have an electrolyte imbalance, your body’s systems will not work correctly, and it can be very life-threatening if left unattended.
What are some of the symptoms of an electrolyte imbalance?
Some of the most common symptoms of an electrolyte imbalance include fatigue, thirst, muscle weakness, spasms, twitching, or cramps, irregular heartbeat, headache, changes in blood pressure, confusion, nausea, fluid retention, and even seizures. While some of these symptoms might not seem that bad, you might visit the hospital to rebalance your electrolytes and manage the symptoms of your imbalance. If you feel confused, chest pains, or have a seizure, call 911 and see a doctor immediately.
How do you avoid an electrolyte imbalance?
Avoiding an electrolyte imbalance is pretty easy. It all comes down to eating a healthy, balanced diet and drinking plenty of water. Be careful with your liquid intake, though. Too much water can be counterproductive as it can flush out the electrolytes in your body. It is recommended that you drink when you are thirsty and remember to keep hydrated throughout the day. If you are an athlete or work out a lot, be extra mindful of your water intake.
If you are worried about your electrolyte levels or intake, be sure to consult your doctor. They will be better able to make suggestions on how to change your diet or exercise routines to ensure that your electrolyte levels remain healthy.