Powering Your Electric Body

 
The term "electrolyte" made its debut in the 1960s when vibrant sports drinks promising enhanced athletic performance became a popular trend. Since then, electrolytes have become a household term, but what exactly are they and how do they contribute to our well-being?

What are electrolytes?

Electrolytes are vital minerals that support the body's electrical communication and fluid balance. Possessing an electrical charge, these minerals, when present in our body's fluids such as blood, water, and intracellular fluid, enable the conduction of electrical currents. For instance, as you read this, your heart muscle contracts and pumps blood throughout your body, a process driven by the generation of electricity within the cells of your heart muscle. Specifically, these cells create electrical impulses by moving electrically charged ions (electrolytes) in and out of the cell.

A key point is that hydration = electrolytes + H2O, and the trace amounts of these minerals in water (and your diet) is just as important as the water itself!

Balance is Key

Maintaining the delicate balance of electrolyte levels is crucial for essential bodily functions, including the beating of your heart. The human body has an innate ability to regulate these levels effectively when provided with a nutrient-rich diet. However, electrolyte deficiencies can lead to uncomfortable symptoms such as muscle spasms, weakness, and general dysfunction, including irregular heartbeat.

The Seven Major Electrolytes

Sodium: This key electrolyte is essential for hydration as it regulates the total volume of water in the body. Consequently, it influences blood volume and blood pressure. Insufficient sodium levels are strongly associated with muscle pain and cramping. Sodium works in conjunction with potassium to balance cellular electrolyte levels.

Chloride: Complements sodium by helping regulate fluid balance and pressure. Chloride is vital for maintaining pH balance and is a critical component of digestive juices.

Potassium: Alongside sodium, potassium is considered a crucial electrolyte for hydration. It balances other electrolytes and plays a significant role in muscle function, particularly in regulating heartbeat.

Magnesium: This mineral is important for normal muscle and nerve function, including heart rate. Magnesium's functions extend beyond the scope of this article, but it suffices to say that it is essential for every known living organism.

Calcium: Critical for transmitting nerve impulses, muscle function, and blood clotting. 99% of calcium is stored in our bones.

Phosphate: It complements calcium in promoting bone health. Phosphate is necessary for cellular energy production, tissue repair, and acts as a building block for cell walls and DNA.

Bicarbonate: A major factor in pH balancing, bicarbonate is the primary electrolyte responsible for neutralizing various forms of acidity in the body. It safeguards sensitive tissues, including nerves, from harmful pH levels.

These electrolytes are not only essential for bodily functions but also play broader roles beyond their electrolyte status. While a healthy diet and lifestyle can typically provide adequate amounts of most electrolytes, the average American diet falls short in three key electrolytes: calcium, magnesium, and potassium. Therefore, it is highly recommended to focus on dietary improvements and consider supplementation when necessary.

When should we consider supplementing electrolytes to support hydration?

Whenever there is fluid loss, such as sweating, urination, vomiting, diarrhea, or blood loss, electrolytes are lost along with the fluid. If the fluid loss is prolonged or occurs rapidly, replenishing electrolytes often becomes necessary.

Special Considerations

Please note while most Americans would do well to reduce their salt and sugar intake, there are certainly exceptions. Athletes, those experiencing pronounced dehydration, and those with naturally low salt diets may benefit from an electrolyte with salt and/or sugar. If you're eating "super clean" and avoiding processed or prepared foods, be aware you may need to increase your salt intake surrounding physical activity, hot weather, etc.! Sugar helps both for replenishing blood sugar during physical exertion and can also help the electrolytes get into your system faster. This is why our most intensive electrolyte product, "Hydration IV", contains both salt and sugar for rapid and complete hydration.

Available Electrolyte Supplement Options

At HealthWay, we focus on having a wide range of high quality electrolyte products, ensuring you can find the right fit for you. You'll find products with or without meaningful sodium levels. Other options include powder, liquid or capsule supplements. These are available with or without flavors and sweeteners.

Our most popular options are our low sodium flavored packets of powder, mixing instantly with about 16oz of water to boost your hydration. 

These stand in stark contrast to mainstream electrolyte products like Gatorade which are often laden with excessive sugar, artificial coloring, and lacking in other essential nutrients. While extreme athletes may benefit from the sugar content, most individuals would do well to reduce their sugar intake.

In Conclusion

Proper hydration is an important aspect of health and there are many supplements to help support your needs. Age, chronic loss stools/diarrhea, heat exposure, certain medications and intense physical activity can all be risk factors for dehydration. Take the proactive step towards better health today by ensuring you're getting enough water and electrolytes today!