What are electrolytes? Leave a comment
Electrolytes are minerals that have an electric charge when they are dissolved in water or body fluids, including blood. The electric charge can be positive or negative. You have electrolytes in your blood, urine (pee), tissues, and other body fluids. Reference https://medlineplus.gov/fluidandelectrolytebalance.html
Electrolytes are important because they help:
- Balance the amount of water in your body
- Balance your body’s acid/base (pH) level
- Move nutrients into your cells
- Move wastes out of your cells
- Support your muscle and nerve function
- Keep your heart rate and rhythm steady
- Keep your blood pressure stable
- Keep your bones and teeth healthy
The main electrolytes in your body include:
- Bicarbonate, which helps maintain the body’s acid and base balance (pH). It also plays an important role in moving carbon dioxide through the bloodstream.
- Calcium, which helps make and keep bones and teeth strong.
- Chloride, which also helps control the amount of fluid in the body. In addition, it helps maintain healthy blood volume and blood pressure.
- Magnesium, which helps your muscles, nerves, and heart work properly. It also helps control blood pressure and blood glucose (blood sugar).
- Phosphate, which works together with calcium to build strong bones and teeth.
- Potassium, which helps your cells, heart, and muscles work properly.
- Sodium, which helps control the amount of fluid in the body. It also helps your nerves and muscles work properly.
You get these electrolytes from the foods you eat and the fluids you drink. Therefore mierals (balanced TDS in your drinking water and pH value) is essential for good health.
