An indication that you are suffering from an electrolyte imbalance

Electrolytes don’t cause your body to run, but they do make it run smoothly. Like an electric car, these minerals found in your blood and the other body fluids produce voltages that transfer electrical impulses – in the forms of nerve stimuli as well as muscle contractions – across your cells.

This electrical power keeps your organs operating properly. In fact, electrolytes help keep your body functioning at its best. This includes your nervous, digestive, muscles, and cardiac systems. In this article, we will discuss basics like how the body regulates electrolytes. We will also discuss indicators that indicate you are suffering from an unbalanced electrolyte, and the most important part, how to replenish the electrolytes you’ve lost.

How does the body regulate electrolytes?

Your kidneys serve as the hub for electrolyte monitoring. They are able to detect changes in your body from shifts in electrolyte levels. Exercise that is intense is the most popular way to shed electrolytes. The higher the temperature and the more intense the workout the more water lost.

According to the American College of Sports Medicine, on average people lose 2 to 6 percent of the body weight they carry during exercise sessions as sweat is released.

Another reason for electrolyte depletion is when you suffer from chronic stomach or intestinal problems. These fluids must be replaced to prevent dehydration and to keep vital bodily functions functioning properly.

If you’re the type of person who is a fervent exerciser and is following an intense workout program, or if you have a medical problem that requires close surveillance of your liquid intake and exercise. Edrea Jones, M.D. an expert neurologist, suggests speaking with your physician to make sure that you know your limits and your needs for fluids.

Staying hydrated is key to proper body function,” says Dr. Jones.

Signs of electrolyte imbalance

When the quantity of electrolytes in your body is too high or too low you can develop:

  • Dizziness
  • Cramps
  • Irregular heartbeat
  • Mental confusion
  • The most typical sign of low electrolytes is muscle cramping. It can be extremely painful and debilitating.

Maintaining electrolyte levels

The best way to keep electrolytes in balance is to be attentive to your thirst. The doctor Dr. Jones recommends drinking about two cups of fluid two hours before any physical activity. Then, try to drink 4 to 6 ounces per fifteen to twenty minutes during your physical workouts. Also, make sure to drink after you have finished exercising.

How can you replenish electrolytes?

Hydration is crucial to maintaining a balance of electrolytes. The most natural option for getting hydrated. It’s less expensive and more available than any other drink. Coconut water is a different option for replenishing electrolytes. Coconut water is low in the glycemic index consequently it won’t drastically alter the blood sugar levels of your patients. There is also evidence that it could help lower cholesterol and blood pressure which is a good reason to drink it.

But, a recovery drink is often more attractive. These drinks are loaded with electrolytes and carbohydrates that help to replenish body energy. A lot of sports drinks contain salt chloride, or potassium chloride included they are major electrolytes eliminated when exercising. The added sugar and taste are often used to entice people to drink an increased quantity of water.

Drinks to stay clear of

Carbonated soft drinks, fruit juices, and energy drinks must be avoided for drinking as hydration sources. They’re full of sugar and empty calories. The carbohydrates in these drinks offer only brief bursts of energy, rather than long-term benefits. “Staying well-hydrated benefits our bodies in so many intricate ways,” says Dr. Jones. “Our bodies are extremely complex, and water is at the core of life that we simply cannot survive without. This is the reason why no one can endure more than three or five days without any drinking water.”