Electrolytes are minerals that carry an electrical charge when dissolved in body fluids. Minerals are essential inorganic substance needed for the body to function properly
Electrolytes are the smallest of chemicals that are important for the cells in the body to function and allow the body to work plus they are critical in allowing cells to generate energy, maintain the stability of their walls and to function in general.
Electrolytes generate electricity, contract muscles, move water and fluids within the body and participate in a myriad of other activities. For example:
- Calcium (Ca2+): Vital for bone health, muscle function, nerve transmission, and blood clotting.
- Magnesium (Mg): Crucial component of bones, plays a role in numerous enzymatic reactions, and is important for muscle and nerve function.
- Potassium (K+): Important for nerve impulses, muscle function, and maintaining heart rhythm.
- Sodium (Na+): Helps maintain fluid balance, nerve function, and muscle contractions.
The concentration of electrolytes in the body is controlled by a variety of hormones, most of which are manufactured in the kidney and the adrenal glands. Sensors in specialised kidney cells monitor the amount of sodium, potassium and water in the bloodstream.
The body functions in a very narrow range of normal and it is hormones like renin (made in the kidney), angiotensin (from the lung, brain and heart), aldosterone (from the adrenal gland), and anti-diuretic hormone (from the pituitary gland) that keep the electrolyte balance within those normal limits.
Keeping electrolyte concentrations in balance also includes stimulating the thirst mechanism when the body becomes dehydrated.
Causes of electrolyte imbalances
- Adrenal gland disorders
- Dehydration or drinking too much water.
- Inherited genetic conditions.
- Kidney disorders or illness-related damage, such as diabetes or high blood pressure.
- Malnutrition.
- Severe vomiting, diarrhoea or gastrointestinal malabsorption.
- Athletes and others that participate in strenuous physical activities and profusely perspire will lose electrolytes.
List of electrolytes
To find the highest natural food sources of each electrolyte visit the individual posts below
Best natural foods to balance electrolytes
- Nuts
- Organ meats
- Pineapple
- Pumpkin seeds
- Seafood
- Shellfish (muscles and oysters)
- Spinach
- Sunflower seeds
- Watercress
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