Electrolytes are responsible for regulating some critical bodily functions. If you have ever suffered from  dehydration you know just how bad being low on electrolytes can feel. There’s a reason for that. It is vital to understand the importance of staying hydrated. It’s not just about drinking water every day. When your body becomes low on electrolytes, it can impair your body’s functions, such as blood clotting, muscle contractions, acid balance, and fluid regulation.

So that is why when clients are always feeling bloated, even when they are doing everything right, I suggest taking electrolytes.

Today we will cover what electrolytes are, what causes low electrolytes, the symptoms of low electrolytes, and how to replenish them.

NOT JUST FOR FITNESS RECOVERY

When working out you should be concerned about the electrolyte imbalance in your body. Yur body and, most importantly, your heart is armed with what it needs to perform optimally. Drinking  Gatorade, Pedialyte or other sugary drinks is not the answer. A high quality electrolyte without sugar is one way to ensure that your electrolyte balance remains in check. I have a favorite and I am going to share how to make one too.

WHAT ARE ELECTROLYTES?

Electrolytes are electrically charged minerals and compounds that help your body regulate many critical functions. Some examples include:

• Chloride – works closely with sodium.
• Sodium – causes water to move inside cells.
• Magnesium – important for enzyme reactions
• Calcium – helps regulate cell function, heart rate, and blood clotting.
• Potassium – works with sodium to maintain water balance and acid-base, works with calcium to regulate muscle and nerve activity.
• Phosphate – helps build/repair bones and teeth, stores energy, contracts, muscles, and enables nerve function.

These minerals and compounds are present in your blood, bodily fluids, and urine and can be replenished by food and drinks that are rich in electrolytes.

HOW DO I KNOW IF I NEED TO REPLENISH MY ELECTROLYTES?

Your body must maintain proper electrolyte balance to function properly. If you have been sweating your electrolytes can become unbalanced. Other causes include not eating or drinking enough, chronic respiratory problems, or higher than normal pH levels (metabolic alkalosis). Certain medications are also known to affect electrolyte levels, such as diuretics, laxatives, steroids, certain antibiotics, and seizure medications.

Symptoms of electrolyte imbalance include:

• nausea
• fatigue
• lethargy
• vomiting
• confusion
• irritability
• headaches
• fast heart rate
• muscle cramping
• muscle weakness
• irregular heartbeat
• abdominal cramping
• numbness and tingling
• convulsions or seizures
• diarrhea or constipation

Eating foods rich in electrolytes like spinach, turkey, potatoes, beans, avocados, oranges, soybeans (edamame), strawberries, and bananas can help replenish low electrolyte levels. Also, drinking an electrolyte replenishing  drink is very effective.

What is the Most Common Electrolyte Imbalance?

Hyponatremia or low sodium levels is the most commonly treated electrolyte imbalance in the emergency room. Hyponatremia can occur from an underlying medical disorder, kidney disease, hormonal changes, or from drinking too much water.

Sodium plays many important roles in your body. It helps maintain normal blood pressure, regulates how your nerves and muscles work, and regulates your body’s fluid balance. When your sodium becomes diluted, the body’s fluid levels rise, and your cells begin to swell. This swelling can cause mild to life-threatening health problems.

Symptoms of hyponatremia may include:

• Coma
• Seizures
• Headache
• Confusion
• Nausea and vomiting
• Restlessness and irritability
• Muscle weakness, spasms, or cramps
• Loss of energy, drowsiness, and fatigue

You risk diluting your sodium if you drink too much water without replenishing your electrolytes. This is one of the benefits of drinking a electrolyte drink. It balances out the amount of water you drink by restoring electrolyte levels.

I make sure and salt all my meals with Redmonds, I have a salt lemon water drink before a workout, I even add it to my coffee or matcha (try it!) @redmondrealsalt contains 60+ trace minerals, doesn’t have any added anything. You code GLOW to save 15%.

A electrolyte drink like LMNT replenishes electrolytes without diluting sodium. LMNT contains no sugar you can maintain normal levels of electrolytes without sending your glucose levels throughout the roof.

Staying hydrated involves more than just drinking water. It also means maintaining the delicate balance of electrolytes that your body depends on to function properly. If you are engaging in strenuous exercise and sweating profusely, then you need more than just water. Drink water and replenish your electrolyte levels.

Electrolyte imbalance can be serious and affect how your body performs vital functions. It is not something to take lightly. Choosing to supplement with electrolytes ensures your body is performing at an optimal level.

Try this cheap and easy solution!

DIY Electrolyte drink

Ingredients

• 1 ½-2 cups water
• Juice of ½ lemon
• 1/8 to 1/4 tsp real salt (I like Redmonds), or celtic sea salt
• 1 tsp monk fruit sweetener (or erythritol)

• Everything into a jar with a lid and shake well to combine. This recipe fits perfect in a pint mason jar.
• Store in the fridge up to a week.

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