Electrolyte supplements are becoming increasingly popular as a way to increase hydration during or after exercise.

Electrolytes are minerals that carry electric charges, and they’re dissolved in our blood, urine, sweat and other fluids. They’re vital to specific processes that keep our muscles and nerves working properly and our internal environment balanced.

They Conduct Electrical Signals

Electrical signals are used by the human body to control its muscles, nerves, and heart. These signals are sent via the electrolytes potassium, sodium and calcium. These minerals are dissolved into the blood, sweat, and other body fluids. Electrolytes balance the acid-base (pH) levels of the body, maintain fluid balance and rebuild damaged tissue. If your body’s electrolytes become imbalanced, you can suffer from a variety of health issues, including dehydration and confusion.

All ionic compounds conduct electricity when they are in a solution or melted because they contain positively and negatively charged atoms. The atoms are separated into ions with different charges, which can then move freely within the solution. A solution of salt, for example, conducts electricity easily because it contains sodium (positively charged) and chlorine (negatively charged). When a solution containing salt dissolves into water, the ions are separated and distributed evenly in the liquid by the water molecules around them. This reduces electrostatic force. The ability of the solution to conduct electrical current increases as the concentration ions in the liquid increase.

Compounds that provide a large concentration of ions when dissolved in water are called strong electrolytes. Examples are sulfates (such as sodium bicarbonate), magnesium hydroxide or potassium sulfate; and chlorides (such as sodium chloride). The strength of a solution to conduct electricity also increases as the temperature rises.

A polar covalent chemical, such as vinegar’s acetic acid, can act as an electrolyte if it reacts to water. However, such substances are not as effective as ionic compounds at conducting electricity because they do not dissociate completely in water and they do not conduct as well as the ionic solutions of strong electrolytes.

They Maintain An Optimal Fluid Balance

Many minerals, including potassium, calcium, magnesium, sodium, chloride, phosphate and bicarbonates, carry electric charges when dissolved in water. These electrolytes play a vital role in your body’s normal functioning, including regulating nerve and muscular function, maintaining acid base balance, and maintaining the right amount of water within the blood and other bodily liquids. If the electrolytes within your body are not balanced, it can affect your overall health.

Your body loses electrolytes when you sweat, so it’s important to replace them by taking electrolyte powder. While bottled and tap water, as well as filtered waters and coffee, contain some electrolytes to meet daily needs, the amounts are not enough. A healthy and balanced diet can provide you with the majority of your daily electrolytes.

The range of electrolyte levels within your blood is tightly controlled. This is achieved through a complex set of physiological mechanisms. Unexplained changes to electrolyte content may indicate an abnormality that requires medical attention.

You may feel fatigued and weak if your electrolyte level is too low. If they are too high, you may have nausea and vomiting. Your doctor will perform a variety of lab tests to determine if you have an electrolyte imbalance. These include a urine test to measure the levels of sodium, potassium and calcium. A BUN test (blood urea Nitrogen) is also performed to help identify kidney function, and possibly diagnose diabetes.

You can find electrolytes in foods like milk, fruits, vegetables and lean meats. They are also found in some bottled beverages such as coconut waters and sports drinks. Many of these drinks are high in sugar, which is not good for your health. You can reduce your risk of an electrolyte imbalance by consuming a well-balanced diet that includes whole foods and unsweetened beverages, such as water.

They Help Your Heart Beat

The heart depends on the movement of electrolytes to carry electrical signals between its cells. These signals control heart rhythm and help it to beat correctly. The body cannot function without electrolytes. Electrolytes are found in the blood, urine and other fluids such as sweat. These include sodium and potassium, calcium, magnesium phosphorus, and chloride. Electrolytes play an important role in maintaining fluid balance, nerve and muscular functions, blood pressure, sugar levels and body temperature, as well as regulating pH levels of tissues and fluids.

It is important to get the right amount of water and rest. Electrolyte imbalances or deficiencies can lead to a range of health problems from heart palpitations and cramping. A healthy diet of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and protein helps maintain the correct balance of electrolytes.

Magnesium, potassium, and calcium are the most important electrolytes for the heart. Calcium and potassium keep the heart beating correctly. Too little of these minerals can cause irregular heartbeat, or arrhythmia, especially in older adults. Low potassium levels can also lead to high blood-pressure and heart failure. Magnesium is also involved in the dilating of blood vessels, which makes it important for allowing oxygen-rich blood to reach the brain and other organs.

You can get electrolytes for your body by drinking a variety foods and beverages. This includes coconut water and milk. Avoid sports drinks, which often contain large amounts of sugar and may be high in sodium and other unwanted additives.

A simple blood test will allow your doctor to determine the electrolyte balance. A health care professional will insert an needle into a vein in your arm, then draw a sample of blood. The test can either be performed at the laboratory or in an office. The test usually takes 5 minutes. If the results are abnormal, your doctor may order additional blood tests or other tests in order to narrow down the problem. The most common tests are a metabolic panel and an electrolyte panel.

They Help You Work Your Muscles

Electrolytes carry electric charges that allow your body’s brain to send messages to your muscles and nervous system, allowing you to move and function normally. These signals are essential for normal blood pressure, sugar levels, and heartbeat. Electrolytes are also needed by the kidneys to maintain a healthy water balance. Your body requires several essential electrolytes including sodium, potassium chloride, calcium, magnesium, phosphate, and bicarbonates. These are found in your blood, urine, and sweat as well as in other bodily liquids.

When dissolved in liquid, electrolytes can have a positive or a negative electric charge. Salt water, as an example, conducts electrical current because the atoms (positively and negatively charged) of sodium and chlorine separate and are distributed throughout the solution. Similarly, electrolyte ions transport chemical compounds in and out of cells to regulate the flow of substances through the cell membrane.

Electrolyte sodium also plays an important role in helping to maintain fluid balance within your body through osmosis. When the body loses more electrolytes due to sweating, it will pull water from other parts of your body to compensate. This can cause dehydration. It is important to drink plenty of fluids following exercise or other periods of excessive sweating.

Many people choose to drink electrolyte-fortified sports drinks to ensure they receive enough of these minerals. These drinks can be high in sugar. They can also interfere with your weight management and hydration goals. Most of the electrolytes that you need are found in a balanced, healthy diet, which includes fruits and vegetables, meats, and whole grains.