How to Maintain Electrolyte Balance in the Body

Electrolytes are important nutrients that our body needs. They have electrical charge that is crucial for the functioning of almost all parts of the body – from maintaining a regular heartbeat to muscle contraction and especially in the nerve functioning. The electrical charge of electrolytes take on allows it to conduct electricity throughout the body.

Electrolyte levels even in normal person can rise too high or go too low. This is why water is a very important part of our diet. Electrolytes play an important role in maintaining balance in water, pH, and nutrients in cells. It is also crucial for the removal of wastes in the body as well as in maintaining the inner workings of the nerves, muscles, heart, and brain. Here are some of the important electrolytes in our body:

• Sodium – helps in maintaining the fluid retention of the body therefore affects the blood pressure. It also helps in nerve signalling as well as in muscle contractions. And finally, it’s essential in keeping all the electrolyte balance in check.

• Potassium – Play an important role in transmitting electrical signals throughout the body to promote bone health as well as muscle contraction and normal beating of the heart. An imbalance in potassium levels can result in fatal arrhythmias.

• Chloride – Helps in regulating the alkalinity of the body. It can be obtained from regular salt such as those that can be found in your kitchen. It also plays an important role in keeping the normal functioning of your digestive system.

• Magnesium – The most highlighted importance of magnesium is its role in the production of DNA and RNA. Other functions include: maintaining normal heart rhythms and boosting the body’s immunity against diseases.

• Calcium – the effects of calcium in our body not only limits to its contribution to bone strength, it is also important in regulating nerve impulses and in preventing blood clots from forming.

Electrolytes in Athletes

A lot of electrolytes are lost as we sweat and if water is not taken as often, we get dehydrated. That’s why when we workout we should always have a water on hand or an energy drink to replace those that we have lost through sweat. Athletes, in particular, need to replenish electrolytes in their body every now and then since they sweat too much because of the nature of their sport. It is especially important for athletes to maintain an electrolyte balance in their bodies so that they may be able to function well during training and competitions. Imbalance of electrolytes can cause fatigue, delayed reactions, dehydration, and sometimes can also result in fatal injuries.

Balance is essential in the normal functioning of a human body. Even a single glitch can cause diseases which if left untreated, could potentially lead to a more severe diagnosis. It is only through proper diet that you can help your body maintain its electrolyte balance.