Benefits of Electrolytes
Chances are that you have heard of electrolytes.
You probably know a little bit about them. They might even make you flinch thinking of a “Charley Horse” you had once while working out!
Electrolytes play a role in nervous system impulse conduction, muscle contraction (hence the “Charley Horse”) and, keeping you properly hydrated. They are also responsible for helping maintain the body’s proper pH. Obviously, they are super important for proper function and overall good health. They are so important, that if they show up out of range on a blood test, it can represent a life-threatening emergency.
The major electrolytes are:
- Bicarbonate
- Calcium
- Chloride
- Magnesium
- Phosphate
- Potassium
- Sodium
Electrolytes carry an electrical charge. (1) Either positive or negative. These positive or negative ions help conduct electrical impulses and are very important for metabolic processes that are required to keep a body balanced and healthy.
When electrolytes in a person’s body are out of balance, here are some of the things that a person will feel and notice: (2)
- Fatigue
- Fast or irregular heartbeat
- Numbness and tingling
- Confusion
- Muscle weakness and cramping
- Headaches
- Convulsions
When you are exercising for extended periods of time, are exposed to warm weather, or eating a diet that creates an increased demand for electrolytes, such as a low carb or keto diet, you may require electrolytes in greater amounts than what you can consume in your diet.
One problem is that many electrolyte replacement drinks contain high amounts of sugar and/or other nasty ingredients like food dyes or preservatives that are counter-productive to the healthy habits we are trying to create. When considering electrolyte replacement drinks, it is wise to look at options that are in line with your healthy lifestyle. Next Level Hydration products by ePickl have been created to make sure that you are consuming a healthy product with natural ingredients that hydrate your body and help you achieve the performance you want in sports and in life. They are also chef-inspired so that they taste really great. Because, let’s face it… If they don’t taste good, it doesn’t matter how good they look on paper!
