What Are Electrolytes?

You’ve probably never thought of it this way, but your body is a low-level electrical generator, relying on a small amount of electric current to function. 

Electrolytes conduct electricity when dissolved in water, which means they play key roles in keeping bodily power switched on.

Many of the minerals you may be familiar with serve as electrolytes including calcium, magnesium and potassium.

So do sodium and chloride—which when combined form common table salt—along with phosphate (a form of the mineral phosphorus) and bicarbonate (a form of carbon dioxide).

Why Do I Need Electrolytes?

Because the body runs on electricity, it shouldn’t be surprising to learn that electrolytes do...well, a little bit of everything, supporting healthy muscle and nerve function as well as proper pH balance.*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

How Do Electrolytes Become Imbalanced?

Maintaining healthy electrolyte balance is a job for your kidneys. They keep tabs on each electrolyte and if the level is too high, the kidneys filter it from the body. Several hormones work with the kidneys to preserve healthy electrolyte balance.

You’re always losing small amounts of electrolytes each day through urination. Perspiration can also cause electrolyte loss—that accounts for the white stains you may see on your workout clothes.

Imbalances occur when electrolyte levels rise or fall to a point at which the kidneys can no longer keep things regulated.

Not replenishing electrolytes or staying hydrated after exercise can cause your electrolytes to go out of balance. So can vomiting and diarrhea, especially if severe or prolonged.

Other reasons for imbalanced electrolytes include poor diet, excessive alcohol consumption, kidney disease and other disorders, and some prescription drugs.

In addition, age tends to make the kidneys less efficient. This may leave older people more prone to electrolyte loss.

How Do I Know if I’m Losing Electrolytes?

Signs of an electrolyte imbalance vary with which electrolyte is out of whack and whether levels are too high or too low. In general, you may feel tired; feel twitchy; have headaches, muscle cramps or nausea; or simply not feel well.†The information provided is not an endorsement of any product, and is intended for educational purposes only. NaturesPlus does not provide medical advice and does not offer diagnosis of any conditions. Current research on this topic is not conclusive and further research may be needed in order to prove the benefits described. The conditions and symptoms described may be indicative of serious health problems, and therefore should be brought to the attention of a qualified healthcare practitioner.

Severe imbalances can lead to more concerning conditions, including blood pressure changes, confusion and irregular heartbeat.†The information provided is not an endorsement of any product, and is intended for educational purposes only. NaturesPlus does not provide medical advice and does not offer diagnosis of any conditions. Current research on this topic is not conclusive and further research may be needed in order to prove the benefits described. The conditions and symptoms described may be indicative of serious health problems, and therefore should be brought to the attention of a qualified healthcare practitioner.

For very mild symptoms, try drinking some water and getting some extra salt and potassium into your system. Severe symptoms warrant going to the emergency room.

How Do I Keep My Electrolytes in Balance?

Eating a healthy, nutritious diet and staying adequately hydrated are the best ways to keep your electrolytes balanced.

When exercising, you can stick with water after an easy-to-moderate workout. But add in some electrolytes if you’re sweating heavily because of a hard, extended workout, or if you’re exercising in hot, humid weather.

†The information provided is not an endorsement of any product, and is intended for educational purposes only. NaturesPlus does not provide medical advice and does not offer diagnosis of any conditions. Current research on this topic is not conclusive and further research may be needed in order to prove the benefits described. The conditions and symptoms described may be indicative of serious health problems, and therefore should be brought to the attention of a qualified healthcare practitioner.The information provided is not an endorsement of any product, and is intended for educational purposes only. NaturesPlus does not provide medical advice and does not offer diagnosis of any conditions. Current research on this topic is not conclusive and further research may be needed in order to prove the benefits described.

The conditions and symptoms described may be indicative of serious health problems, and therefore should be brought to the attention of a qualified healthcare practitioner.