Electrolytes are salts and minerals that help to conduct electrical impulses in the body. They have an electric charge when dissolved in fluid, and are found in our blood, urine, tissues and other bodily fluids.
Electrolytes in our body include:
- Sodium
- Potassium
- Calcium
- Bicarbonate
- Magnesium
- Chloride
- Phosphate
You get these from the food that you eat and the fluids that you drink.
Our bodies rely on small electrical currents to carry out many bodily functions. Electrolytes act as conductors, carrying these electrical charges. They work in together with cells in your tissues, nerves, and muscles.
Electrolytes play a vital role in:
- Muscle contraction
- Nerve transmission
- Regulating fluid levels
- Blood pressure regulation
- Maintaining pH balance in your blood
- Helping blood to clot
- Helping build new tissue
When you exercise, you lose important electrolytes including sodium and potassium in your sweat. This can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. If you don’t rehydrate properly, this may leave you feeling fatigued and may impact your performance.