Electrolytes do not make your body go, but they do make it run smoothly. Similar to the battery in an automobile, these minerals found in your blood and in other fluids of your body produce voltages that transfer electrical impulses – in kind of nerve nerves as well as muscle contractions across your cells.
This electrical energy is essential to keep your organs in good working order. Electrolytes are essential to keep your body functioning at its best. This includes your nervous, digestive, muscular, and cardiac systems. Here we will go over a few basic aspects such as how your body regulates electrolytes. What are signs that you have an electrolyte imbalance, and, the most crucial aspect, how to replenish missing electrolytes?
How does the body regulate electrolytes?
Your kidneys are your hub of electrolyte monitoring. They detect changes in your body through shifts within electrolyte concentrations. The most intense exercise is the most popular way to deplete electrolytes. The hotter the temperature, and the more vigorous your exercise, the more water is lost.
Based on the American College of Sports Medicine according to the American College of Sports Medicine, an average person loses up to 6 percent or 2 percent of their body weight in exercise sessions because of sweating.
Another major cause of electrolyte depletion occurs when you experience chronic vomiting or diarrhea. It is essential to replenish these fluids to avoid dehydration and ensure vital body functions function in a healthy manner.
If you’re an extreme athlete who adheres to a rigorous exercise regimen or has a medical problem that requires close surveillance of your exercise and fluid intake, Edrea Jones M.D. an expert neurologist, suggests that you speak to your doctor to make sure you are aware of your limits and liquid requirements.
“Staying hydrated is key to proper body function,” Dr. Jones.
Evidence of an electrolyte imbalance
When the amount of electrolytes in your body is too high or too low you can develop:
- Dizziness
- Cramps
- Irregular heartbeat
- Mental confusion
- The most typical manifestation of low electrolytes can be muscle cramps. These can be excruciating and debilitating.
Maintaining electrolyte levels
The most effective way to ensure that electrolytes are in balance in your body is by paying attention to your thirst. The doctor Dr. Jones recommends drinking about two cups of fluid two hours prior to physical activity. Then, try to drink 4 to 6 ounces every 15-20 minutes during your physical activity. Finally, have a drink immediately after exercising.
How to hydrate fast
Staying hydrated is key to maintaining an electrolyte balance. Water is the ideal choice for getting hydrated. It’s not as expensive and has more accessibility than other drinks.
Coconut water is a different option to replenish electrolytes. Coconut water isn’t high on the glycemic index, which means it doesn’t significantly affect the blood sugar levels of your patients. Studies have also shown that it may reduce blood pressure and cholesterol -which is a good reason to drink it.
However, sports drinks are more attractive. Those drinks contain electrolytes and carbohydrates, which help replenish body energy. Many sports drinks have calcium chloride or sodium chloride as an ingredient and are electrolytes majorly lost when exercising. The addition of sugar and flavor in these drinks often entice people to drink an increased amount than water.
Drinks to stay clear of
Fruit juices, carbonated soft drinks, and energy drinks should all be avoided for drinking as hydration sources. They contain far too much sugar and calories that are not needed. The carbs that are present in these drinks give only short bursts of energy but do not have long-term advantages. “Staying well-hydrated benefits our bodies in so many intricate ways,” Dr. Jones. “Our bodies are extremely complex and water is the most important element of life, and we can’t live without it. It is the reason that no one can live more than three to five days without any intake of water.”