Electrolytes are minerals that carry an electrical charge. They have an impact on how your muscles function, how alkaline your blood is, and how much water you have in your body. They are key components in many bodily functions and as an athlete or fitness enthusiast, it is critically important to make sure you have an adequate supply of them in your body for optimum performance. Cramping is a sign that your body is already dangerously low on electrolytes. It’s important to make sure your body has a readily available supply of electrolytes so it can perform at its best. Which is why it is best to consume electrolytes in a consistent manner so you go into your workout or training session adequately hydrated.

You might ask “Why can’t I just subsist on water alone?” Excessive water consumption without electrolyte supplementation will actually cause a dilution and, potentially, depletion of electrolytes called Hyponatremia. If you never take in any electrolytes but drink a ton of water, you run the risk of water intoxication. Water Intoxication occurs when the balance of electrolytes in the body is outside of a safe range, and it can be very dangerous. Even if that weren’t a risk, electrolytes play a major role in the body and you need them for proper function.

There are six (6) minerals that make up the electrolyte spectrum.

You might recognize this as something that is associated with bone health. That is true, however, this tremendous mineral does a lot more! It has a role in muscle stimulation and regular heartbeat. It is also extremely important for nerve transmission, muscle growth, and powerful muscle contractions. Calcium deficiency can result in muscle cramps: something that can kill your performance in the gym or on the field.

This electrolyte helps to keep the tendons and joints healthy, but it also helps to regulate the balance of acid and alkali in the blood. Without enough chloride, you might suffer from poor muscle contractions and difficulty digesting.

Magnesium helps convert glucose to energy. It also helps to metabolize fat. It is necessary in order for the muscles to function correctly, but it also helps the body to properly use other vitamins and minerals. Magnesium deficiency is unfortunately very common and low levels can affect your mood and sense of well-being. Magnesium is extremely important for female athletes since it can help alleviate signs of PMS.

This is used in nerve signaling, heartbeat, and is needed for the growth, maintenance, and repair of cells and tissues. Phosphorous helps the body to make ATP, and those of you who are really into fitness know that you can’t perform your best without plenty of ATP on hand.

Potassium plays a part in how nerves transmit and muscles contract. It helps to regulate water balance in the body. You lose potassium when you sweat, so athletes need more than the average person.

Sodium is very important, but the American diet is typically very high in sodium in general. If you have too much sodium it can actually cause you to lose a lot of potassium in the urine, so don’t go eating a lot of junk foods high in sodium! When used appropriately, sodium works with potassium to help muscle expansion and contraction.

It would be pretty much impossible to achieve peak performance without electrolytes. In addition to their individual roles, they often work in harmony with vitamins and other minerals in the body to keep you feeling good and performing at your best. Ultima Replenisher contains a perfect balance of all 6 electrolytes plus support minerals that work together to provide complete hydration.