Not many people understand the vital role that electrolytes play in maintaining homeostasis in the body. From ensuring fluid balance and acid-base balance to regulating neurological function, oxygen delivery, and more, electrolytes aid in most biological processes within the body.
The question now is, are your electrolytes balanced?
Electrolyte imbalance can happen when there’s excessive or insufficient ingestion. It can also occur when there’s excessive or inadequate electrolyte elimination. Renal failure is among the most common causes of imbalances, and the most serious ones have to do with abnormal levels of calcium, potassium, or sodium.
Extreme diarrhea, which may be caused by chronic use of laxatives or vomiting, can also cause electrolyte problems and dehydration. No one wants this to happen because it’s a severe health risk. Thankfully, water is not the only source that can give the “charges” that you need.
There are different types of electrolytes, and they can come from different sources. Your trusted source for the best protein supplements at Recov will tell you all about them. Below are the different examples of electrolytes and their sources:
Bicarbonate
This helps you keep a healthy pH for the body and regulate heart function. Potatoes and spinach are known to be excellent sources of bicarbonate.
Calcium
Calcium is essential in keeping your teeth and bones healthy. But aside from their popular benefits, calcium also aids in the process of blood clotting. The most well-known source of this mineral is, of course, milk.
Chloride
Similar to bicarbonate, chloride helps keep your body’s pH balance. It can be found mostly in seaweeds, tomatoes, and lettuce.
Magnesium
The body needs magnesium to keep the immune system strong, make DNA and RNA, maintain steady heartbeats, and more. Magnesium is commonly found in nuts such as almonds and cashew, among others.
Potassium
Potassium plays a key role in keeping your blood pressure at a healthy level and also helps prevent muscle contractions. Bananas are known to be one of the best potassium sources, but you can also get it from apricots, cantaloupes, and oranges.
Sodium
Sodium helps ensure that the liquids in the body are regulated. Too much sodium is not good, but it can help with the functions of muscles and nerves in the right amount. As you should know, sodium is found in any food that contains salt.
Symptoms of Electrolyte Imbalance
Depending on which electrolyte is not balanced and whether the amount or level is above or below normal, keep in mind that the symptoms can be varied. For instance, if someone has an imbalance of calcium, magnesium, sodium, or potassium, they can experience these symptoms:
- Bone disorders
- Blood pressure changes
- Confusion
- Irregular heartbeats
- Disorders of the nervous system
- Extreme tiredness and weakness
- Muscle spasms
- Numbness
- Seizures
Excessive calcium in the body can cause:
- Extreme weakness of the muscles
- Frequent urination
- Nausea and vomiting
- Stomach pain
- Dry mouth and thirst
- Loss of appetite
- Lethargy
- Irregular heartbeat
- Irritability
Treatment for Electrolyte Imbalance
It’s easier to replenish lost electrolytes than reduce them when they’re too high. The treatment is relatively straightforward, too. You can do oral rehydration therapy or electrolyte replacement therapy if the shortage is more severe. If the levels are too high, though, a doctor can determine the proper treatment!
Conclusion
Electrolytes are so essential to the body that an imbalance can have health repercussions. If you feel dizzy after a run or even before finishing a workout, this could be the culprit. Make sure to hydrate well before and after exercising. Aside from hydrating with water or sports drinks, you must also take premium peptides in the form of muscle recovery supplements.
Even for people who only do light workouts, peptides like Recov’s concentrated protein supplement are needed to make up for the muscle deterioration that naturally happens as one gets older.
Recov is Australia’s trusted maker of the best muscle recovery supplements that can get you through even the most strenuous exercise routine. Together with balanced electrolytes, it helps your muscles recover faster. Contact us today to get more information about our products!