Electrolytes explained:

Electrolytes contract muscles, generate electricity, and move fluids and water within the body. Some examples of electrolytes are sodium, potassium, chloride, bicarbonate, calcium, and magnesium. Electrolytes are found in fruit juices, milk, and many fruits and vegetables (eg, avocados, potatoes, bananas).

You can get electrolytes from many healthy foods.

How Much Does Anyone Really Know About Electrolytes? The word electrolytes has become a household word lately because many people are familiar with all of the popular sports drinks today. You have probably read that electrolytes are good for you and that it is important to consume them when you are dehydrated or sick. But the point is, when you’re sick, sugary sports drinks are the last thing your body really needs. Did you know that you can also get electrolytes from many healthy foods?

The real facts about electrolytes:

Electrolytes are liquids, solids, or gases that contain electrically conductive ions and can be measured by laboratory studies of blood serum. The general public was not really aware of electrolytes until some sports drinks began to claim that they contained more electrolytes than water. People who exercise or are physically active lose electrolytes when they sweat and need to replenish their electrolytes to regain their energy. Sweat is generally made up of 99 percent water and 1 percent electrolytes.

Types of electrolytes:

What they probably haven’t told you is that the best source of electrolytes is food, not sugary drinks. Many vegetables, whether canned, fresh, or frozen, are high in electrolytes, as are fruits, bread, and milk. Potatoes (best mashed with added salt), avocados, dried fruits, soy products, coconut milk, red and white wine, bread, and most meats are enough options to replenish needs of electrolytes from your body. However, excessive intake of inorganic sulfates can lead to diarrhea.

Salty foods can also be used to replace sodium electrolytes. Salty meats, peanuts, butter – all of these sources are also effective in replacing chloride, which is another electrolyte that can be lost along with sodium through sweat. Eating too much sodium chloride can lead to hypertension that can lead to heart problems, so watch how much you consume.

Potassium is an electrolyte that can also be lost through sweat. It can be replaced with fruits such as bananas, dairy products, vegetables, nuts, and meats. When replaced only through food, no side effects have been documented or reported, but replacement of potassium through supplements can result in hyperkalemia. A potassium overload can lead to sudden death in people with kidney health problems or kidney failure.

Spring water or tap water does not contain electrolytes. But water with a pinch of salt, sugar, and flour will provide your body with plenty of electrolytes.

Misconceptions about electrolytes:

You should not drink large amounts of water to rehydrate when you have been exercising. Instead, you should drink small amounts of water and eat an energy bar at the same time to replenish your electrolytes. Sports drinks are loaded with sugar, but there are some sugar-free brands for you. When your body is still active during workouts, you will have a hard time absorbing electrolytes until you have stopped for a short period of rest. So while doing strenuous physical exercise, just drink small amounts of water until you can get to the point of resting for a short time.

The benefits of electrolytes:

If your electrolytes are correct, you will experience less muscle cramps and spasms, greater endurance, and less pain after a workout. If you wake up at night with muscle spasms or cramps, just put a pinch of salt in a glass of water and take a few sips. Overnight, your body will replenish its electrolytes and you will not experience the same severity of cramps the next day.

A word of caution about electrolytes:

Dried meat is high in electrolytes, but it shouldn’t be eaten very regularly. Carcinogens are found in smoked foods, and although most people who eat jerky don’t eat enough jerky to get sick, it’s important to eat small amounts if you exercise, but not more than a few times a week. Dried meat is very salty, so it is a wonderful source of electrolytes, but it is not a great source of other nutrients.

Some homeopathic remedies to replenish electrolytes:

Epsom salt soak –

To instantly replenish needed electrolytes, create an Epsom salt (magnesium sulfate) bath that allows minerals to penetrate directly into the body’s pores. Put 2 cups of Epsom salt in a warm bath every week.

Hydration is important:

Everyone should drink plenty of water every day, and you can add a teaspoon of salt to every 8 ounces of water you drink as an added bonus, helping to support proper electrolyte balance. It is especially important to stay hydrated if you exercise regularly. Sweat and exercise deplete your electrolytes, so you should take these precautions before starting any strenuous activity.