Remember your Electrolytes on these HOT Summer days!
Why are Electrolytes important?
Electrolytes are important because they are what your cells (especially nerve, heart, muscle) use to maintain voltages across their cell membranes and to carry electrical impulses (nerve impulses, muscle contractions) across themselves and to other cells. Your kidneys work to keep the electrolyte concentrations in your blood constant despite changes in your body.
Electrolytes exist in various concentrations in the blood plasma and the fluid outside and inside the cells. The movement of substances between these compartments is largely controlled by Electrolytes. Each of the Electrolytes also has an individual function e.g., calcium is necessary for the relaxation of skeletal muscle and the contraction of the heart muscle; while potassium is required for the relaxation of the heart muscle; and sodium is essential in maintaining fluid balance.
Body fluids are constantly being lost as a result of normal daily activity and must be replaced in order to maintain normal functioning. The fluid that is lost is not pure water but always contains some Electrolytes; thus both water and electrolytes must be replaced daily. Fluid is lost through the skin, lungs, faeces and kidneys as a part of normal bodily function. Daily food and fluid intake generally provide the daily Electrolyte requirements. Certain diseases and conditions and taking certain medications, however, may lead to a deficiency in one or more Electrolytes. An Electrolyte imbalance may result, for example, from certain diuretics and a low sodium diet often adhered to by people with high blood pressure, persistent diarrhoea or exercise resulting in excessive fluid loss through sweating.
What happens when you have an Electrolyte imbalance?
A person can be dehydrated and have an Electrolyte imbalance without feeling thirsty. This is particularly relevant to sports people, as strenuous physical activity can reduce feelings of thirst. Signs and symptoms of Electrolyte imbalance are sometimes not very specific, so it is important to be aware of the general indicators. The following is a general guide for changes that may indicate an Electrolyte imbalance:
- Behaviour – changes in behaviour, confusion, apathy.
- Head and neck – headache, thirst, dry mucous membranes.
- Upper digestive tract – anorexia, nausea, vomiting.
- Skin – dry, slack, no resilience.
- Breathing – changes in rate and depth of breathing.
- Circulation – pulse rate changes, irregular heart beat, faintness when standing up.
- Abdomen – bloated, abdominal cramps.
- Elimination – inability to urinate, diarrhoea, constipation.
- Legs and arms – muscle weakness, tingling, muscle spasm, cramping and twitching.
What products do you sell to assist Electrolyte imbalance?
We have ENDURA an electrolyte powder which is a powder based drink to help with tiredness, over heating or feeling faint, a great supplement in this hot weather.
