When dissolved in water, electrolytes carry an electric charge. They are crucial for specific processes, such as maintaining hydration and transmitting nervous impulses.
Zero sugar electrolytes beverages are used by many people to replenish minerals and fluids lost through perspiration. These drinks can contain a mixture of sugars, both real and artificial, and additives.
They Conduct Electrical Signals
A small electric charge is responsible for many automatic functions in your body. This includes your heartbeat and your breathing. Electrolytes are minerals that produce an electric current when they dissolve in water or another fluid. To function properly, the body needs a balance between different types of minerals. These minerals regulate nerves and muscles, hydrate you, and balance blood acidity.
Electrolytes are found in the urine, blood and sweat as well as in food such as meat, fish, vegetables, fruits and dairy products. Electrolytes such as potassium, magnesium calcium sodium, phosphate, and chloride are the major ones.
All ionic compounds, which are the elements of which most electrolytes consist, conduct electricity when dissolved in liquids such as water or juice. When electrolytes are present in a solution, the positively and negative charged ions (called anions and cations) dissociate and produce free-moving electrons that allow electricity to flow. The conductivity of a solution is affected by the concentration of ions, the temperature and the strength or the ions charges. Strong electrolytes, which are solutions that contain a high concentration of positively and negatively charged ions, conduct electricity very well.
A solution that contains sodium chloride (a strong electrolyte) has a high conductivity, because it contains many positively and negatively charged Ions. A solution with less strong electrolytes, such as pure water, has very low conductivity because the ions do not dissociate so easily.
If you have an imbalance in electrolytes, your doctor will conduct a series blood tests to determine your body’s levels of the different types of electrolytes. The electrolyte test is a screening tool that helps your doctor monitor the effectiveness of treatment.
They Maintain Optimum Fluid Balance
As a group, electrolytes maintain tight control over how much water is inside and outside cells. They keep the body hydrated, and regulate muscle and nervous function, blood acidity, and pressure. Electrolytes are classified as anions or cations based on their electrical charge. Cations are positively charged and anions have a negative charge. A healthy diet is usually the perfect balance of both. Electrolytes are found in a wide variety of foods, including leafy vegetables, fruit, nuts and seeds, dairy products, certain fish and seafood and lean meats. You can also find them in a variety of beverages, including water and sports drinks.
Most people don’t lose enough electrolytes to require replenishment, unless they exercise intensely or sweat profusely. The electrolytes in urine and sweat are lost through the kidneys, but this loss is usually offset by the daily intake of fluids from a healthy diet.
Electrolyte imbalances can cause a wide range of symptoms. High levels of sodium and potassium are the most common electrolyte imbalances, although other conditions can also lead to a deficiency or excess of these important minerals.
When your potassium level is too low, it can lead to weakness and a loss of coordination. A high sodium level causes high blood pressure and swelling, while an excess of calcium can lead to osteoporosis or kidney stones.
A medical condition or medication is usually the cause of an electrolyte balance. Low potassium levels may be caused by diabetes or renal disease. High calcium levels are common in cancer patients, lung disorders, and multiple myeloma patients.
Electrolyte imbalances can be prevented with a balanced diet and adequate fluid intake, especially when exercising or spending time outdoors. Dehydration and electrolyte issues can be prevented by avoiding excessive exercise or drinking alcohol.
They Maintain A Healthy Ph Level
Your body needs to maintain a healthy pH level to function properly. Your metabolism depends on it. Erika Der-Sarkissian, dietitian at Cedars-Sinai says it is important to maintain a pH balance in blood, tissues and bodily fluids that is 7.4 for many chemical reactions such as oxygenating blood. Electrolytes are mineral substances with a positive or negative charge when dissolved in water. They help regulate fluids within and outside of cells.
Electrolytes are primarily obtained from food and fluids. These include magnesium, calcium and sodium. They also contain phosphate, chloride, phosphorus, and bicarbonate. These electrolytes can be found dissolved in your blood, urine and sweat.
The body is very good at maintaining the balance between acid and base without your direct involvement. You can help the body maintain this balance by eating plenty of alkalizing, nutrient-rich plant foods. Avoid processed meats, sugary beverages, junk food, and other acid-producing food.
Your body may be too acidic if you experience fatigue, nausea and confusion. In extreme cases it can be fatal. A doctor can determine whether or not you’re suffering from acidosis by obtaining a sample of your blood and running tests for certain chemical markers. These tests typically involve taking a small amount of blood from your arm, though sometimes doctors may take it from the chest area. These tests can be used to diagnose conditions including respiratory and metabolic acidsosis.
They Prevent Dehydration
Electrolytes are essential to many of the processes that keep your body functioning properly. They transmit electrical signals to your muscles and nervous systems, and maintain a healthy fluid balance in the blood and tissues.
The main electrolytes found in the body are potassium and calcium. These minerals are dissolved into body fluids, such as urine and blood. These minerals gain an electrical charge when dissolved in water, and they influence many metabolic functions including nerve function, muscle contraction, blood pressure, pH level, and hydration status.
A lack of electrolytes is a common cause of cramps, fatigue, or confusion. Dehydration is the most common cause of electrolyte deficiency, and it occurs when you lose more fluids than you consume. This can occur as a result of prolonged or intense sweating, fevers, vomiting, diarrhea and other illnesses.
If you suspect that you have a deficiency of an electrolyte, it is best to talk to your doctor. Treatment options are different and will depend on your symptoms and the cause.
In general, the doctor prescribes a liquid or a solid supplement that contains electrolytes. The supplement will be administered according to the doctor’s instructions, and you should follow the directions carefully. Doctors may prescribe diuretics in certain cases for people who have high levels of electrolytes because of severe diarrhea.
Experts agree that a balanced diet is the best option for getting the electrolytes your body needs. Include a variety of foods to get the electrolytes you need, such as fruits, vegetables, lean protein, low-fat dairy products, grains, nuts, seeds, and unsweetened drinks.
