
Electrolytes, such as sodium, potassium, magnesium, and calcium, are chemical elements or minerals. When these elements are mixed with water, they undergo a process called disassociation. This process turns them into electrical charges, known as 'ions', which carry a positive or negative charge.
Electrolytes, by balancing each other out and being present both inside and outside of cells, play a crucial role in maintaining our bodily functions. They signal cells, regulate nerve impulses, contract muscle function, hydrate the body, balance blood acidity and pressure, maintain pH levels, and help rebuild damaged tissue.
The activity of electrolytes in the intracellular, extracellular, and interstitial fluids stimulates muscles and nerves. Ion channels exist on the surface of the cell membrane to transport electrolytes to and from the cell. For instance, muscle contraction depends on the presence of potassium, calcium, and sodium ions, and insufficient levels of these ions may lead to muscle weakness or spasms.
Electrolyte levels change in relation to water levels in the body. They are most commonly lost during exercise, but other reasons for an imbalance can include improper diet and lifestyle, kidney disease, prolonged periods of vomiting and diarrhea, dehydration, imbalance of acids and alkaline, congestive heart failure, cancer treatments, overuse of diuretics, bulimia, seizures, numbness, nervous disorders, fatigue, and convulsions.
The muscles, heart, and nervous system rely on electrolytes to carry electrical impulses throughout the bodily tissues. Imbalances depend on which Electrolyte is out of balance and whether the level of that substance is too high or too low. Symptoms can include irregular heartbeat, overall weakness, bone disorders, twitching, increase and decrease of blood pressure, confusion, seizures, numbness, nervous disorders, fatigue, and convulsions.
An electrolyte panel, which is usually administered during your yearly physical, can evaluate and monitor your electrolyte levels. One treatment merely involves water. Treating an electrolyte imbalance involves either restoring levels if they are too low or reducing concentrations that are too high.
Sources for replenishing and ensuring balance could be:
• Drink water and/or Electrolyte infused water
• Eat a balanced diet
• Electrolyte supplements
• Electrolyte sports drinks, gels, and candies (Caution, overuse can increase imbalance)

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