Are you someone who loves to get their sweat on? You may be pumping iron at the gym, hitting the pavement for a run, or mastering those impressive yoga poses. Whatever your exercise of choice, I've got a question for you.
Have you ever felt that annoying dehydration kicking in during or after workouts? Or perhaps you've experienced the dreaded muscle cramps and mind-numbing fatigue that can sometimes accompany the ride.
Let us introduce you to the powerhouses known as electrolytes. These little heroes are essential minerals crucial in regulating muscle and nerve function, maintaining fluid balance, and even managing blood pressure.
In other words, these punchy supplements boast a perfect electrolyte balance and keeping everything in check allows us to reach new heights of fitness greatness.
Intrigued?
Great. Find out all you need to know about electrolytes with our essential Smart Protein guide.
What are electrolytes?
So, what are electrolytes, exactly? Well, electrolytes—which include specialised minerals like potassium, sodium chloride, calcium, phosphate, and magnesium—can work wonders for your body.
When combined with transporters like glucose, they can help your cells absorb fluid and keep your body hydrated. Without enough of these magic minerals and fluids, complications, including fatigue, headaches, dizziness, and reduced motor function, can start to creep in.
If you're an athlete or enjoy exercising, you're lucky—electrolytes are essential. During physical exercise, your body loses lots of sodium and chloride.
These minerals combine to form salt, often seen on your skin post-workout. But don't worry: electrolytes are also essential for those who work outdoors or spend time in hot climates.
Electrolytes replenish your body to keep it functioning at its best—whether you're powering through a workout, basking in the sun, or just going about your day.
Why are electrolytes essential?
We’ve answered the question, “What are electrolytes?” Now we’re going to tell you why they’re so essential.
Electrolytes are unsung heroes, working behind the scenes to keep your body functioning at its best. They're involved in many processes that keep everything running smoothly.
Let’s explore.
Transmitting nerve signals
Electrolytes, like messengers, make the proper communication of electrical impulses between your nerves possible.
Helping blood to clot
When you have a cut or injury, these body-boosting properties help the clotting process, which is pretty important, to say the least.
Helping muscle contraction
Electrolytes ensure your muscles contract and perform their best. When you lose electrolytes, your muscles can start to cramp.
Building new tissue
These electric chemicals are involved in building and repairing tissues, keeping you strong and healthy.
Regulating fluid levels
Electrolytes act as the traffic controllers of your body's fluids, ensuring everything is balanced and flowing smoothly.
Keeping your blood pH in a normal range
Electrolytes are the guardians of your blood's pH levels, ensuring they stay just right.
What is an electrolyte imbalance?
First, it's essential to know that your human body is a master at keeping electrolytes in harmony. And that’s thanks in part to the critical role your kidneys play.
But, occasionally, these levels can become too high or too low. That's where electrolytes step in.
Underlying health conditions like kidney disease, heart failure, and diabetes can affect your electrolyte levels, and certain medications can cause an electrolyte imbalance, too.
If you're a fitness enthusiast, you may also know you lose electrolytes when you sweat. So, if you're sweating more than usual, your electrolyte levels may drop too low.
This is especially important to remember during intensive or long exercise sessions.
Low electrolyte symptoms
Take a look at these potential electrolyte imbalance symptoms (1). Remember, everyone's experience with electrolyte disorders may be different.
Fever: If you find yourself running hotter than usual, it could be a sign that your electrolyte levels need attention.
Shortness of breath: Are you feeling a little breathless? It could be your body telling you that your electrolytes may be out of balance.
Confusion: If your mental clarity isn't as sharp as usual, it might be connected to electrolyte levels.
Change in heartbeat: Your heart deserves some extra love and care. If you notice any changes in your heartbeat, it's time to consider your electrolytes.
Tiredness: Do you often feel more tired than you should be? It could signal that your electrolyte levels need topping up.
Muscle cramps: Pesky muscle weakness and spasms can be a result of imbalanced electrolytes.
Blood pressure changes: Keeping an eye on your blood pressure is essential, as electrolyte imbalances can sometimes cause fluctuations.
Weakness: Are you feeling weaker than usual? Your electrolytes could be playing a role.
Testing for an electrolyte imbalance
An electrolyte panel (2) is often part and parcel of a routine blood screening or a comprehensive metabolic examination. An electrolyte test helps healthcare professionals determine if there's a fluid imbalance or an imbalance in acid and base levels of electrolytes in your body.
Typically, electrolytes are measured together. But in some cases, you may need to get them tested individually if a provider suspects a problem with a specific electrolyte. And let us reassure you—the process is pretty quick and painless.
During the test, a healthcare professional will simply take a blood sample from a vein in your arm using a small needle—it's only a little sting that lasts for a few moments—then the blood will be collected into a test tube or vial.
What is electrolyte powder?
In simple terms, electrolyte powder is exactly what it sounds like: essential electrolytes in a convenient powdered form, a supercharged boost for your hydration game.
Here's how it works: Take that excellent powdered electrolyte drink mix or powdered sports drink blend and add it to a water bottle. Mix it up and sip away.
By doing this, you're replenishing all the electrolytes you lose during intense workouts, rigorous athletic performances, or even after facing the challenges of sickness like vomiting and diarrhoea.
It's the secret weapon your body needs to bounce back and thrive.
What are the benefits of electrolyte powder?
We all know that water is the ultimate hydration hero. But sometimes, H2O needs a little extra boost to quench our thirst for greatness. Water, while refreshing, may lack the essential electrolytes our bodies crave that can be found in powders and sports drinks.
Increases energy
When training hard or taking on a challenging workout, electrolyte powder can be your secret weapon, replenishing the nutrients and fluids lost through intense exercise and sweating.
Supports better sleep
Studies show that calcium, potassium, and magnesium are the keys to helping you achieve a more restful night's sleep—especially if you're physically active or an athlete.
Boosts immunity
Sometimes, you need to do a little more than just drinking water. By adding electrolytes in powder form to your water, you can ensure proper hydration, which is particularly important for active individuals and those battling stomach bugs.
Improves brain and muscle function
Athletes often experience muscle spasms or cramps due to low magnesium, potassium, and calcium levels. Powdered electrolyte drinks provide these essential minerals, improving muscle contractions and boosting cognitive function.
Reduces anxiety and stress
Sodium, an essential electrolyte we lose through sweat, plays a significant role in mood and hormone regulation. Plus, magnesium helps with our body's stress response. Replenishing lost electrolytes through a powder mix can help keep anxiety at bay.
Strengthens muscles and bones. Supports recovery
Potassium increases bone density by reducing calcium excretion, while sodium helps balance calcium. Replenishing your stores through powder mixes supports muscle and bone strength, as well as aids in recovery.
Restore your electrolytes the Smart way…
If you’re looking for something to restore your body’s harmony and give you a big hit of energy after a busy day or a big workout, try The Electrolyte.
Packed with restorative vitamins and minerals, a swift hit of this will give you everything you need for maximum physical recovery and mental focus. Give it a try.
Sources:
Smart Protein is committed to sourcing only the best and scientifically-backed research in our articles.
1. Healthline:
https://www.healthline.com/health/electrolyte-disorders
2. Cleveland Clinic:
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/22358-electrolyte-panel
