What Happens When Your Body is Low on Electrolytes

What are electrolytes?

People who work out regularly or are engaged in daily physical activity might have already come across the term “electrolytes” and why they are crucial to their performance.

What are they, and why are they so important? Electrolytes are natural elements that carry an electric charge. They are essential minerals in our bodies that support and maintain various vital functions.

You may have already heard about some of the electrolytes we need daily, such as sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, chloride, and phosphate.

But what are these electrolytes for? How do they help with bodily functions? And what happens when your body is low on electrolytes? Read on to learn more!

What are the functions of electrolytes?

Electrolytes are some of the essential minerals our bodies need because of the critical roles they play. They power various bodily processes, such as:

1. Maintaining hydration levels: A vital function of electrolytes is ensuring that the proper balance of fluids is maintained inside and outside the cells. Through osmosis, water moves through the cell membrane for proper hydration throughout the body.
2. Balancing pH levels: Our body has a natural pH level that must be maintained at all times. For example, blood must be around 7.35 to 7.45 pH. The lack of electrolytes will cause an imbalance, leading to severe illnesses.
3. Powering the nervous system: Our nervous system uses nerve impulses to connect and communicate with different parts of the body. Electrolytes power these impulses, so the brain can send signals to the cells.
4. Assisting with muscle contractions: When our muscles contract, electrolytes help muscle fibers move smoothly over each other to ensure a seamless motion. Electrolytes also help muscles relax after each contraction and move back into a relaxed position.
5. Promoting tissue regeneration: Damaged tissues require nutrients, such as vital minerals and electrolytes, for rebuilding and repair. Electrolytes boost wound healing significantly as fluids carry nutrients to the wound site and draw waste products away.

What happens when your body is low on electrolytes?

Now that you know what electrolytes do, you may have a rough idea of what happens when your body is low on electrolytes.

Various things can lead to low electrolyte levels. Overexercising, dehydration, training too hard in the sun, fever or infection, and diarrhea are some common reasons. In such cases, it is essential to replenish your electrolytes ASAP to ensure your condition does not worsen.

A deficiency of essential electrolytes can adversely affect our day-to-day activities. Certain symptoms are likely to emerge, such as:

• Fatigue
• Overheating
• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Nausea

How to replenish your electrolytes?

Replenishing your electrolytes is easier than you think. There are a lot of foods and liquids that are rich in minerals, so you can quickly get replenishment.

Here’s how you can replenish your electrolyte levels:

• Eat fruits and vegetables rich in water and electrolytes, such as watermelon, strawberries, mangoes, bananas, cherries, avocado, kale, spinach, etc.
• Drink electrolyte-rich beverages to increase hydration. Excellent options include coconut milk, lemonade, and plant-based milks.
• Try electrolyte-infused sports drinks that can provide a quick hydration boost and mineral infusion. Keep a close eye on the ingredients list—many of these drinks can contain tons of sugar and empty calories. Opt for drinks that have low to no sugar.
• Add an electrolyte hydration powder from Ultima Replenisher to your water for a drink that has six electrolytes and trace minerals without any added sugar, calories, carbs, or other junk.

Bottom line

Electrolytes are crucial minerals that power various vital bodily functions. They balance the body’s pH levels, power muscle contraction and neural communication, ensure proper hydration, rebuild damaged tissue, and more.

A deficiency in these essential nutrients can negatively impact these critical processes. Make sure to stay hydrated throughout your daily activities so that your electrolytes are always at optimal levels.

When you feel thirsty, or if you want a much-needed energy boost after an intense training session, you can count on Ultima Replenisher. This electrolyte hydration powder will give you all the essential electrolytes you need without any added sugar, calories, or carbs!