ELECTROLYTE BALANCE

The term ‘Electrolyte Balance’ is often spoken of among athletes and fitness enthusiasts, but I understand that many are confused with its meaning and its importance for exercisers. I would like to give a brief summary of the term and its significance:-

The word ‘electrolytes’ refers to the cations – positively charged – and the anions – negatively charged – that are distributed throughout the fluid compartments of the body. They are distributed in such a way that within a given compartment, electrical neutrality is maintained. The primary electrolytes, such as sodium and potassium, are categorized nutritionally as ‘macrominerals’. Electrolyte balance is crucial to the body functions.

Here are some extreme examples of what can happen with an electrolyte imbalance:

Elevated potassium levels may result in cardiac arrhythmias, decreased extra cellular potassium produces paralysis, and cellular sodium causes ‘fluid retention’.

So, what can we do? I would recommend a high quality multi-vitamin/multi-mineral formula to help prevent any electrolyte imbalance as well as any vitamin and mineral deficiency.