What Are Electrolytes?

Anyone who regularly reads about health-related news has likely heard about the need to actively consume electrolytes. Sure, we’ve all heard electrolytes are important, but what exactly are these mysterious substances? Why is it so important? In order to get to the bottom of these frequently talked about substances, we decided to take a closer look.

Electrolytes: The Basics

As the name might imply, electrolytes are substances (specifically, minerals) that are capable of carrying an electric charge. Though the electricity running through your body is characteristically different than the kind of electricity you would use to power your home, its presence is necessary for your cells and organs to function properly.

Your body consumes electrolytes the most when you are exercising. As your body tries to cool off by sweating, you will actively begin to lose your electrolytes. If they are not adequately replaced, you will eventually experience problems with your breathing, blood pressure, and other important bodily functions. Because of this, it is important to be thinking about your electrolyte intake and consumption levels whenever you are exercising for an extensive period of time.

Different Types of Electrolytes

There are many different types of electrolytes, and each one of them serves a distinctively important purpose. Four of the most common electrolytes (sometimes known as “lytes” for short) are sodium, potassium, chloride, and magnesium.

Sodium (Na) is an electrolyte that plays the very important role of regulating the levels of water in your body. Sodium can be found in naturally “salty” foods and when mixed with chloride, it creates the substance commonly referred to as table salt. Maintaining proper sodium levels is necessary for your brain and muscles to function at their very best.

Potassium (K) is an electrolyte that is present in bananas, sweet potatoes, yogurt, and other foods. Potassium is necessary for many bodily functions including the regulation of your heartbeat.

Chloride (Cl) is an electrolyte that can be found in your blood and in the fluids located outside of your cells. Chloride is very important because it helps your body balance its fluids and most bodily functions would not be possible without it.

Magnesium (Mg) is an electrolyte that is primarily stored in your bones or bound to the different proteins in your body. Naturally, magnesium is necessary for your body to build healthy bones and teeth. It also helps with ordinary nerve and muscle functions.

Electrolytes Facts and Myths

Clearly electrolytes play a very important role in our day to day well-being. Without electrolytes, our bodies simply would not be able to function. Though the importance of electrolytes can be universally recognized, it is important to distinguish the facts and myths associated with them.

- - Myth: Only professional athletes need to be thinking about their electrolyte levels.
  - Fact: Though many people are able to achieve an acceptable level of electrolytes in their normal diet, electrolyte balance is something everyone should understand.
  - Myth: You can never have too many electrolytes.
  - Fact: Every electrolyte your body needs is something that needs to be carefully balanced. Just as it is possible to have too few electrolytes in your system, it is also possible to have too many. The key is learning to balance.

Myth: Only professional athletes need to be thinking about their electrolyte levels.
Fact: Though many people are able to achieve an acceptable level of electrolytes in their normal diet, electrolyte balance is something everyone should understand.

Myth: You can never have too many electrolytes.
Fact: Every electrolyte your body needs is something that needs to be carefully balanced. Just as it is possible to have too few electrolytes in your system, it is also possible to have too many. The key is learning to balance. Just remember Brawndo.

- - - - Myth: The only place you can get electrolytes is from sports drinks or energy drinks.
        
        Fact: Electrolytes can be found in a lot of the substances you consume every day. Fruit, salt, dairy products, and other consumables are excellent sources of electrolytes. There are also a wide variety of electrolyte supplements available that are distinctively different from sports drinks.

For some reason, the word electrolyte has become a buzzword that is frequently abused by those in the performance and health product industries. Being able to distinguish between the facts and the myths surrounding them can help you become a more conscious consumer.

Keep Yourself Balanced with Electrolytes

Even if you have never thought about electrolytes before deciding to read this article, they have been playing an important role in your body throughout your entire life. Electrolytes are incredibly important, and without them, your body will be unable to perform at its best. Learning about the different uses of electrolytes, and where to find them, can produce a profound variety of benefits.