What do electrolytes provide

Rehydration What are electrolytes ions? Electrolytes produce ions and enable the body to function Body fluid contains electrolytes, chemicals which, when they dissolve in water, produce charged ions. Potassium ions Transmit nerve signals, and contract muscles including the heart, etc.

Magnesium ions Contract muscles, form bones and teeth, activate enzymes, etc. Calcium ions Transmit nerve signals, contract muscles, form bones and teeth, clot blood.

We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Electrolytes are minerals found in your blood that help regulate and control the balance of fluids in the body. These minerals play a role in regulating blood pressure, muscle contraction and keep your system functioning properly. The right amount of electrolytes in your body is needed for optimal health and physical performance. You might also experience muscle cramping and spasms.

Most of us have felt the effects of being dehydrated at one point or another — dry lips and tongue, headache, weakness, dizziness, nausea, cramps. How many electrolytes you lose during exercise depends on weight, fitness level, intensity, duration of activity, humidity and how much you sweat. If the sodium drop is severe, it can result in seizures, coma and death. A key symptom of hypernatremia is thirst.

High chloride hyper chloremia often results from diarrhea or kidney disease. Sign up! A level under three can cause muscle weakness, spasms, cramps, paralysis and respiratory problems. If it continues, kidney problems may occur. High potassium hyper kalemia may not cause any symptoms, although you may experience muscle weakness or abnormal heart rhythms.

If the level goes very high, the heart can stop beating. Low calcium hypo calcemia may not cause symptoms, but chronically low levels can cause changes in skin, nails and hair; yeast infections; and cataracts. As levels drop, muscle irritability and cramps particularly in legs and back may develop. Calcium under seven causes changes in your reflexes hyperreflexia , muscle spasms, spasms of the larynx voice box and seizures.

High calcium hyper calcemia may not cause symptoms. As calcium rises, constipation, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, neuromuscular symptoms and bowel obstruction ileus may occur. Above 12, emotional swings, confusion, delirium and stupor occur. Above 18, it may result in shock, kidney failure and death. Persistent or severe hypercalcemia can damage kidneys and cause heart problems, including rhythm changes and heart attack.

Low magnesium hypo magnesemia may cause symptoms similar to low potassium or calcium. An extremely low level can be life-threatening. The main food sources of electrolytes are fruits and vegetables. However, in the Western diet, a common source of sodium and chloride is table salt.

Below are some foods that provide electrolytes 28 , 29 , 30 :. Some people drink electrolyte water or supplement with electrolytes like sodium and calcium to ensure they get enough.

But in some circumstances, such as during bouts of vomiting and diarrhea where electrolyte losses are excessive, supplementing with a rehydration solution that contains electrolytes could be useful Always read the instructions on over-the-counter replacement solutions. Also note that unless you have low levels of electrolytes due to excessive losses, then supplementing can cause abnormal levels and possibly illness If you eat a balanced diet that contains good sources of electrolytes, supplementing is usually unnecessary.

Electrolytes are naturally occurring compounds that control important bodily functions. Important electrolytes include calcium, magnesium, potassium…. Sports drinks are a big part of athletics and big business around the globe, but some debate whether they're any more hydrating than water. Electrolytes are important for many bodily functions, such as fluid balance and muscle contractions.

This article discusses the potential benefits of…. The sweat electrolyte test finds out how much sodium and chloride you have in your sweat. Want to change up your hydration routine after a sweat session? These great-tasting fluids will rehydrate and power your body — no water required.

Electrolytes like salt, potassium, and calcium perform a variety of important functions within your body. Everyone gets dehydrated from time to time, but chronic dehydration is much more serious.