Electrolytes do not make your body go, but they let it run smoothly. Like a battery in a car, these minerals in your blood and other body fluids stimulate voltages that carry electrical impulses, in the form of nerve impulses as well as muscle contractions – to your cells.
The electrical energy helps keep your organs working properly. In reality, electrolytes aid in ensuring the optimal performance of your nervous, digestive, muscular, and cardiac systems. Here we will go over a few fundamental aspects like how your body regulates electrolytes. Also, what are signs that you have electrolyte imbalances and, the most important factor, how to replenish missing electrolytes?
How does the body regulate electrolytes?
Your kidneys are the central point for electrolyte monitoring. They detect changes in your body as a result of shifts within electrolyte concentrations.
Training for intense workouts is the most popular way to deplete electrolytes. The hotter the temperature, and the more intense exercise the more water is lost.
According to the American College of Sports Medicine according to the American College of Sports Medicine, an average person loses about 2 to 6 percent of their body weight during exercise sessions because of sweating.
Another main cause of electrolyte depletion is when you suffer from chronic stomach or intestinal problems. They must be replaced to avoid dehydration and maintain vital bodily functions properly.
Also, if an extreme athlete does a vigorous exercise regimen, or suffers from a medical condition that calls for strict monitoring of your liquid intake and exercise. Edrea Jones, M.D. a neurologist, suggest you talk to your doctor to make sure you are aware of your limits as well as your liquid requirements.
“Staying hydrated is key to proper body function,” says Dr. Jones.
An electrolyte imbalance is a sign.
When the amount of electrolytes in your body is too high or too low it is possible to develop
- Dizziness
- Cramps
- Irregular heartbeat
- Mental confusion
- The most common indication of low electrolytes is muscle cramping. It can be excruciating and debilitating.
Maintaining electrolyte levels
The most effective way to ensure that electrolyte levels in your body are to be attentive to your thirst. The doctor Dr. Jones recommends drinking about two cups of fluids every two hours prior to exercising. In the meantime, drink 4 to 6 ounces every between 15 and 20 minutes during your physical workouts. And lastly, drink a recovery drink immediately after exercise.
How can you replenish electrolytes?
Being hydrated is essential to maintaining the balance of electrolytes. It is the most natural option for drinking water. It’s more affordable and has more accessibility than other drinks. Coconut water is an alternative to replenish electrolytes. Coconut water is low in glycemic index, so it won’t dramatically affect the sugar level in your blood. Research has also proven that it can help lower blood pressure and cholesterol — a heart-healthy reason to drink it.
However, it is true that sports drinks are more attractive. The drinks in sports contain electrolytes and carbohydrates, which help replenish body energy. Many sports drinks contain calcium chloride or sodium chloride in them they are major electrolytes that are depleted when you exercise. The added sugars and flavors of these drinks can entice people to drink a bigger quantity than water.
Drinks to avoid
The carbonated drinks in soft drinks and fruit juices, and energy drinks must be avoided for drinking as hydration sources. They contain far too much sugar and empty calories. The sugars that are present in these drinks give only short bursts of energy instead of providing 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 a vital part of our lives that we can’t do without. It’s why no one could survive more than three to five days without drinking water.”