BLOG 83 ELECTROLYTES

BLOG 83 ELECTROLYTES

Performing our best and feeling our best are important components on our fitness journeys. Internally, we have many bodily functions working as a unit to help us achieve this. Electrolytes are a type of mineral in our bodies found in our blood and fluids which actually carry an electrical charge. So what are these minerals’ purpose and why does Gatorade advertise them as part of its ingredients?? Let’s check out electrolytes….

So here’s the gist of what electrolytes are (https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002350.htm):

Electrolytes affect how your body functions in many ways, including:

• The amount of water in your body
• The acidity of your blood (pH)
• Your muscle function
• Other important processes

When we sweat we lose electrolytes and that’s why a sports drink company like Gatorade, promotes replenishing this loss with their drink. To replace lost electrolytes we need to have:

• Calcium
• Chloride
• Magnesium
• Phosphorus
• Potassium
• Sodium

Fruits and vegetables are good sources of electrolytes. Most commonly though we think of electrolytes as sodium, which is found in many soft drinks. I used to drink Power-Aid Zero every day.

If our body has an electrolyte imbalance, we might experience muscle cramps and fatigue. As such, “The level of an electrolyte in the blood can become too high or too low. Body electrolyte levels tend to alter when water levels in the body change - when our level of hydration goes up or down. Electrolyte levels are kept constant by our kidneys and several hormones. When we exercise we sweat and lose electrolytes, mainly sodium and potassium. To maintain constant electrolyte concentrations in our body fluids, these electrolytes must be replaced. Fresh fruits and vegetables are good sources of sodium and potassium and replace lost electrolytes. Excess electrolyte levels in our blood are filtered out by our kidneys” (http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/153188.php). Most people will tell you eat a bananas if you have cramps for the potassium. 

The elderly and intensely training athletes are the most susceptible to these imbalances (https://draxe.com/electrolyte-imbalance/):

• Being sick with symptoms including vomiting, diarrhea, sweating or high fevers that can­ all produce fluid loss or dehydration
• A poor diet that’s low in essential nutrients from whole foods
• Trouble absorbing nutrients from food (malabsorption) due to intestinal or digestive issues
• Hormonal imbalances and endocrine disorders
• Taking certain medications including those for treating cancer, heart disease or hormonal disorders
• Taking antibiotics, over-the-counter diuretics or medications, or corticosteroid hormones
• Kidney disease or damage (since the kidneys play a critical role in regulating chloride in your blood and “flushing out” potassium, magnesium and sodium)
• Chemotherapy treatments, which can cause side effects of low blood calcium or calcium deficiency, changes in blood potassium levels, and other electrolyte deficiencies

Besides Gatorade or sports drinks, Pedialyte, coconut, chia seeds, and kale are replenishment options. We don’t often experience this, but if you are feeling a little less energy then normal, maybe you do have an electrolyte imbalance. So go have some kale!!!! Take care of your body inside and out and stop problems before they start. When we eat clean and hydrate properly, the rest speaks for itself. Sweat is good, but we have to replenish. Our fitness journeys are meant to last!!!!