Why Electrolytes Are Important?

 Why Are Electrolytes Important For Your Body?

  • Fluid Balance: Sodium, Potassium, and Chloride pull water into the bloodstream while Potassium keeps the water inside. They balance things between dehydration and overhydration.
  • Nerve Function: Sodium, Potassium, and Calcium generate tiny electrical impulses that allow nerves to communicate. They are responsible for helping to transmit signals between your brain, muscles and organs.
  • Muscle Contractions: Calcium and Magnesium help trigger muscle contraction while Magnesium helps the muscles relax. 
  • Proper Heart Function: Potassium and Sodium are responsible for normal cardiac rhythm
  • Nutrient Transport & Waste Removal: Electrolytes together work to move nutrients into the cells and remove waste products out them. 
  • pH Balance: Bicarbonate, phosphate, and chloride help keep the acids and bases in proper balance to maintain somewhere around 7.35-7.45 which is crucial for enzyme and cellular function.

What Are The Best Sources Of Natural Electrolytes In Our Environment?

  • Sodium: Table Salt, Celery, Beets, Olives
  • Potassium: Bananas, Oranges, Potatoes, Spinach, Avocado, Sweet Potato, Coconut Water, Beans, Lentils
  • Calcium: Dairy Products, Leafy Greens, Plant "milks", Kale, Broccoli, Bok Choy, Almond, Sardines, Salmon with bones
  • Magnesium: Nuts, Seeds, Whole Grains, Leafy Greens, Dark Chocolate 70% Cacao), Avocado
  • Chloride: Table Salt, Seaweed, Olives
  • Bicarbonate: Naturally produced by the body but found in mineral water
  • Phosphate/Phosphorus: Meats, Nuts, Dairy, Whole Grains, Eggs, Seeds

What Happens If They Are Out Of Balance? Too High or Too Low?
  1. Sodium: Hyponatremia or Hypernatremia
  2. Potassium: Hypokalemia or Hyperkalemia
  3. Calcium: Hypocalcemia or Hypercalcemia
  4. Magnesium: Hypomagnesemia or Hypermagnesemia
  5. Chloride: Hypochloremia or Hyperchloremia
What Effects Your Balance?
  • Sweating
  • Vomiting or Diarrhea
  • Blood Loss
  • Dehydration
  • Overhydration
  • Diuretics
  • Laxatives
  • Steroids
  • Antibiotics
  • Chemotherapy Drugs
  • Diabetes
  • Adrenal Gland Disorder
  • Thyroid Disorder
  • Kidney Disease or Injury
  • Dialysis
  • High Refined Salt Intake
  • Low fruit or Vegetable Intake
  • Excessive Alcohol
  • Excessive Caffeine
  • Fasting
  • Fad Diets
  • Endurance Sports
  • Heat Exposure
  • Illness, Surgery & Trauma
  • Being Over 65
  • Heart Failure
  • Liver Disease

 

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