Everything you need to know about electrolytes

Do you do sport regularly? Then you've probably heard about electrolytes and electrolyte drinks. These important minerals help regulate fluid balance, nerve and muscle function, and energy production. Whether you're going to the gym or just need an energy boost, it is essential to maintain proper electrolyte balance!

In this article, we explain what electrolytes are, their effects, why they are so important, and how you can recognise a electrolyte deficiency.

What are Electrolytes?

Electrolytes are minerals that can conduct electrical charge when dissolved in a liquid such as blood. These minerals include cations like sodium and anions like chloride, which together maintain the body’s electrolyte balance.

The body regulates its total water volume through the retention or excretion of electrolytes via the kidneys. This process must constantly adapt to meet the body’s demands, as water and electrolytes are lost daily through excretion and respiration. It is therefore essential to consume electrolyte-rich foods to replenish these vital minerals.

The key electrolytes in the human body include:

• Potassium: Contributes to normal functioning of the nervous system, muscle function, and maintenance of the nervous system.
• Sodium: While sodium increases blood pressure, potassium lowers it, making their balance in your diet crucial.
• Calcium: Supports normal muscle function and energy metabolism. Our Spirulina & Chlorella Complex is a great everyday support containing calcium, potassium, magnesium, and other nutrients.
• Magnesium: Contributes to electrolyte balance and normal energy metabolism.
• Chloride: Regulates the flow of substances and water between the cells alongside sodium, important for various transport processes.
• Phosphorus: Contributes to normal energy metabolism and cell membrane function.

The Effects of Electrolytes

Electrolytes are essential for various metabolic processes, particularly for regulating the electrical voltage of cell membranes. The different concentrations of electrolytes inside and outside cells create a voltage on the cell membranes, which is crucial for transmitting nerve impulses. Additionally, sufficient electrolytes are necessary to control the body’s water balance—since 60% of your body consists of water, maintaining this balance is vital for all life processes.

Electrolytes are required for several important functions, including:

• Water balance
• Acid-base balance
• Nerve and muscle function
• Protein formation
• Hormone release

How to Recognise an Electrolyte Deficiency

If you train hard and love tough workouts, paying attention to your electrolyte balance is crucial. When you sweat, your body loses not only water but also essential minerals. Besides exercise, other factors like diseases and disorders can also cause an electrolyte deficiency.

Disturbances in the electrolyte balance affect the entire body, especially the nervous system and muscles. Symptoms of an electrolyte deficiency include:

• High blood pressure, cardiac arrhythmia
• Nausea, constipation, bowel obstruction
• Chest pain, cramps, muscle weakness, paralysis
• Lethargy, confusion, behavioural changes, headaches, unconsciousness

Ensure Adequate Electrolyte Intake

Electrolytes play a crucial role in regulating fluid balance in our bodies, transmitting nerve impulses, and maintaining muscle function. When we sweat, we lose electrolytes—especially sodium and potassium—which can lead to dehydration and muscle cramps. Therefore, it is important to replenish electrolytes after exercise or heavy sweating by consuming electrolyte-rich foods or drinks.

Incorporating electrolytes into your routine ensures that your body remains in peak condition, supporting both your athletic performance and overall well-being.