You’ve undoubtedly heard that you need to replenish your electrolytes, especially after a workout. But what are electrolytes, why do we need them and what’s the best way to maintain them in our body?
What are Electrolytes?
There are tons of electrolytes out there, but in our bodies they are basically calcium, sodium, potassium, magnesium chloride, hydrogen phosphate (a mineral) and hydrogen carbonate (a salt).
Why do we need Electrolytes?
Electrolytes are vital for survival. Not only could we not function if we didn’t have them, if we dilute them too much, it can lead to death by “water poisoning.” They regulate our nerve and muscle function, our hydration, the pH of our blood, rebuilding damaged tissue, and determining blood pressure. One example of their job would be in order for a muscle to contract-from your heart to the tiniest toe muscle- it needs the electrolytes calcium, sodium, and potassium.
Too little and muscles become weak, too much and they over contract.
Go to the next page to learn WHEN we need to replenish Electrolytes in our body …