Electrolytes are any substance that is capable of transferring an electric current. There are two main types of electrolytes. Sodium and potassium are examples of electrolytes.
Electrolytes help the body convert food into energy, maintain acid-base balance, and regulate blood pressure. They perform other essential functions as well. It is also found in every cell and is essential for the proper functioning of cells. The electrolytes in body fluids are not stored; they are produced or broken down as needed and excreted through the kidneys, sweat glands, and intestines. Since electrolytes are involved in various functions, a lack of electrolytes can seriously affect a person’s health.
WHY ARE ELECTROLYTES IMPORTANT BEFORE AND AFTER EXERCISE?
Drinking enough water before exercise is important, which can also help you avoid dehydration. After exercise, your body needs more fluids to replace those lost during exercise and to rehydrate.
Before a workout, electrolytes are necessary to help muscles contract and work. After a workout, electrolytes help muscles recover and hydrate muscles. They are essential for everything – from muscle function to the function of your heart. And even though they are made in the body or found in foods, a little extra bit of minerals could take you a long way in performing, exercising, and benefitting from those efforts. So, keep a bottle of electrolytes handy to help replenish yourself. And consider looking at newer options too; perhaps try O.R.S Hydration electrolyte tablets if you’re tired of sipping on Gatorade.
BENEFITS OF ELECTROLYTES IN OUR BODY:
Electrolytes are essential because they maintain the body’s water balance. Water, salt, and potassium (KCl) are the most important electrolytes in our bodies. Electrolytes help to maintain a normal water balance. They reduce water loss by sweating, maintain nerve and muscle function, and keep our heart rhythm regular. They also maintain body temperature. It helps support energy production in the body.
Electrolytes help carry electrical charges throughout the body. They balance the pH (acidity or basicity) of the body, which loses them through sweating, urination, vomiting, diarrhoea, and breathing. Electrolytes need to be replaced. They are generally found in foods and sometimes in supplements that should be taken with food and with fluids. Electrolyte supplements should be taken with fluids. These can also be taken intravenously.
An electrolyte is a type of mineral which is lost through perspiration and consumed through foods and drinks. It plays an important role in the body’s functioning. It increases the heart’s ability to take oxygen to the brain. It helps blood vessels relax and allows blood to flow freely. The electrolyte also maintains fluid balance and hydration. The electrolyte also maintains an acid-base balance. This is also essential when exercising. It helps transport oxygen during exercise, increases muscle endurance and muscle performance, and can help muscles recover faster. Electrolytes are often overlooked in hydration during exercise. They are just as important during exercise as they are before exercise.
Electrolytes are especially important for marathon runners. They can rapidly replenish fluids lost during exercise. They can help replace fluids that have been burned off during exercise. Electrolytes assist in restoring lost electrolytes in sweat. They aid in replacing a deficit. Electrolytes help replace needed minerals, regulate water balance and fluid balance in the body, balance fluid levels in the brain and help with brain function. They also help increase endurance during a workout and provide energy during a workout.
We recommend that you take electrolytes in any form at least one hour before your meal. This aids in the absorption of nutrients and aids in a healthy digestive system. There are also cases where you may need to take electrolytes during your meal in order to compensate for the loss of fluids in your body due to sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting.
