Last Updated on March 24, 2022 by Ellen Christian
Are you curious about electrolytes for health? I watch my weight and healthy carefully. And, I’m concerned about the sugar in the leading sports drinks. Some have 10 packs or more and little nutritional value. No wonder so many athletes drink plain water. But our bodies need electrolytes before, during and after exercise. So, plain water isn’t always the best choice.
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Electrolytes for Health
So, electrolytes are naturally present in our bodies all the time. And, keeping a good balance is important for our cells and organs to function. A few examples of electrolytes include sodium, potassium, chloride, and bicarbonate. And, you can get these from the food and drinks you consume every day.
What do electrolytes do?
A basic explanation is that electrolytes are chemicals that make ions. These ions carry the electrical energy that your body needs. It keeps organs, muscles, nerves, and cells functioning correctly. So, it’s important to maintain a healthy balance.
What are the symptoms of electrolyte imbalance?
One of the first symptoms of electrolyte imbalance is cramping. Cramping is your body’s way of letting you know something is wrong. You may notice fatigue, lethargy, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and an irregular heartbeat. So, speak to your doctor immediately if you suspect this.
Are electrolyte drinks good for you?
You see all sorts of electrolyte drinks in the store. And, you have probably grabbed a few for yourself or the kids while shopping. Electrolyte drinks were originally used to replenish the body’s stores of electrolytes after a heavy workout. So, they were used by athletes and those with very physical jobs. Drinks with electrolytes for health reasons were meant for occasional use. They were never intended to be used every day in place of water or juice.
Your electrolytes can be too high or too low. Neither is good. You can find electrolytes in fruits, vegetables, yogurt, potatoes, and more. For a healthy adult who has not just had a heavy workout, electrolyte drinks shouldn’t be necessary. Finally, remember having too many electrolytes for health reasons can make you sick. So, it’s important to find a balance.
How do you fix electrolyte imbalance?
If you think you have an electrolyte imbalance, speak to your doctor. Understanding electrolytes for health problems can be complicated. Some diseases, like kidney disease, cause an imbalance. But, if you’ve lost electrolytes through sweat, an electrolyte drink can help. Avoid brightly colored electrolyte drinks because they contain hydrocarbons from petrochemicals, corn syrup, and high levels of sugar. Instead, try a homemade electrolyte drink for dehydration like this one because it’s easy to make.
Do electrolyte drinks work?
Yes, if you’re drinking a quality electrolyte drink, it will help replenish your levels under normal circumstances. But, it’s important to understand why they’re low. And, it’s important to replenish the levels before they become dangerously low. So, if you’re considering electrolytes for health reasons, speak to your doctor.
Foods with electrolytes for health and diet
There are many foods that have electrolytes. Bananas and yogurt are high in potassium. Tomato juice and pickles have sodium and chloride. Spinach contains magnesium and calcium. So, a smoothie with bananas, yogurt, and spinach can boost your electrolytes. Plus, it’s a delicious combination. Or, have a banana and yogurt. You can grab a handful of almonds or cashews for protein. Your body needs that after exercise.
Electrolytes drinks
Look for an electrolyte drink that is low in sugar because it’s better for you. It should contain natural colors and sweeteners. And, L-lysine can help with diarrhea. So, you can make your own sports drinks to help after exercise instead of buying something. In most cases, you can rehydrate with water. So, it’s a good idea to carry a water bottle with you when you exercise. Finally, learn more about hydration and exercise.
So, if you’d like to stock up on electrolytes for health reasons, try these because they’re healthier. You can find them in powder form or ready made. So, you can keep them on hand when you need them. Powders will be easier to store because they take up less room.
Electrolytes for health: A final thought
So, it’s important you understand what you’re adding to your body. You may need an electrolyte drink after a workout or mowing the lawn. But, you don’t need one every day. So, rehydrate with tap water on your average day. Finally, learn how to improve your body’s Ph levels.
Ellen is a busy mom of a 24-year-old son and 29-year-old daughter. She owns six blogs and is addicted to social media. She believes that it doesn’t have to be difficult to lead a healthy life. She shares simple healthy living tips to show busy women how to lead fulfilling lives. If you’d like to work together, email info@confessionsofanover-workedmom.com to chat.
