Electrolytes

In the health industry, you frequently hear about electrolytes. Electrolytes are elements or chemicals that are ionic solutions. This means that they behave electrically and are essential to ensure that the body maintains many functions. They often consist of a variety of salts, but are also acidic and base. Electrolytes help maintain a healthy heart as well as a healthy body. The most common electrolytes include sodium, chloride, and potassium, calcium, chloride, carbon dioxide, and magnesium.

The levels of electrolytes must remain balanced. Levels that are either too high, or too low can cause devastating and harmful effects upon the human body. They regulate much more than just the heart. In fact, an electrolyte play a vital role in promoting healthy blood clots, maintaining proper ph and fluid balance, and also stabilizes nerve and muscle actions. Keeping a proper balance of electrolytes in the body is imperative to keeping organs and every cell functioning in proper order.

It may seem strange to think of it, but all cells are electric. In fact, living energy is essentially electric. The cell membranes in the human body possess an electrical charge. This electric charge is created by the presence of electrolytes in the blood system. When there is a decrease in the level of electrolytes, the body will begin to exhibit signs that something is wrong. Some of the most common symptoms of low electrolyte levels include cramps and weak muscles, dizziness, mental confusion, and fatigue, and extreme tiredness. This is why it is vitally important that those who participate in athletic activities continually replace the amounts of lost electrolytes from the body.

There are a number of different ways that someone's electrolyte stores may become depleted. The most common include sickness or illness. Diarrhea and vomiting are two culprits as these illnesses cause the body to lose fluid in a rapid manner. Therefore, it is important to replace electrolytes whenever you are suffering from sickness or illness. This is also an issue of concern for those who suffer from eating disorders, like Bulimia. Long- term bulimics may suffer from a loss of electrolytes so severe that they suffer heart attacks, strokes, seizures, and even death.

Also, certain medications may cause the body to reduce the amount of fluid that it retains. This may be necessary in order to treat certain conditions, but it may also have negative consequences. If you are taking any medications that cause you to reduce the amount of fluid that you retain, you should also speak to your health care provider regarding your electrolyte levels. These can easily be tested with a simple blood test.

One of the simplest and most effective ways to replace electrolytes in the body is through sports drinks. Today there is a wide variety of sports drinks on the market and any of these are a good choice. In addition to electrolytes, sports drinks also contain vitamins, minerals, and carbohydrates. One of the most important reasons to replenish electrolytes on a daily basis is to prevent dehydration. As essential salts and minerals are lost through the body from daily activities and perspiration, drinking sports drinks on a daily basis can ensure the body stays well hydrated.