Our bodies are composed of many elements, all of which help us stay in balance when they’re in the proper amounts. This includes electrolytes.
If you don’t remember from your science class from high school, electrolytes are basically forms of salt. However, they don’t come in a shaker at your favorite restaurant. The electrolytes in your body are generally more complex and include chloride, calcium, potassium, magnesium, phosphate and, of course, sodium.
If you don’t have the proper blend of electrolytes, which allow electricity to flow inside us, you need to replenish them. Otherwise, you can find yourself in an uncomfortable, and possibly dangerous, situation.
What Happens if You Don’t Know the Best Way to Replenish Electrolytes?
You can lose electrolytes when you sweat, which typically happens when you play sports or when it’s a particularly hot day. But how do you know when it’s time to replenish your electrolytes? When your levels of electrolytes begin to plummet, you can expect to see several warning signs. These can include:
- Muscle cramping. Athletes will often complain of serious muscle aches and pains, or the inability to recover quickly after a workout or game. Often, the core issue can be traced to electrolyte levels.
- Headaches. Have you ever had a headache that goes away soon after you’ve drunk a product like AQUAhydrate, which restores your body’s electrolytes? That’s an indication that your headache wasn’t in your head at all, but instead was a response to your whole system being off.
- Heart palpitations and irregularities. One of the scariest symptoms of being low on electrolytes is feeling like your heart is racing or somehow not beating correctly. Obviously, you’ll need to get to an emergency room quickly in this case to rule out anything else. However, don’t be surprised if they check your electrolytes and level of hydration.
- Confusion. When you’ve been living with poor electrolyte balance for a while, you may lose your mental sharpness.
- Tiredness. Does it seem like you’re exhausted all the time? Perhaps it’s a sign for you to learn how to get your electrolytes up! While everyone experiences fatigue at different moments, you shouldn’t have to live with it all the time if it’s caused by a lack of electrolytes.
Certainly, the signals of low electrolyte levels in the body vary from person to person. Over time, you’ll begin to get accustomed to yours. Then, you can more quickly take the proper steps to reinvigorate your health with a little electrolyte replenishment.
How Can I Replenish My Electrolytes?
You can lose a lot of liquid through perspiration, vomiting, diarrhea, urination, dehydration or just day-to-day living. So what replenishes electrolytes? The fastest method to return electrolytes to your system is in liquid form. Body Armor, G2,Powerade and other drink manufacturers offer precisely formulated sports and activity beverages focused on returning electrolytes through convenient, tasty absorption.
After taking in several ounces of your favorite electrolyte-boosted drink, you can re-evaluate what you’re eating. Good food sources of electrolytes include vegetables, bananas, raisins, canned tuna, yogurt, tofu and even a few types of grains and cereals. In other words, consume all the good stuff you know you should be putting into your body for the best results!
Don’t allow yourself to get low on electrolytes. Keep your pantry and refrigerator stocked up with electrolyte-packed items. You’ll be glad you did when you find yourself zooming through your days and evenings without losing a beat.
