Whether you work out a lot or not, you've likely heard about electrolytes and making sure to replenish them after a workout. Though they are regularly talked about, many people are uneducated on electrolytes. We're here to help you learn these special minerals.
What are electrolytes?
Electrolytes are electrically charged minerals in your body. Electrolytes can be found in multiple parts of your body, including your blood, urine, tissues. Some examples of electrolytes are sodium, calcium, potassium, chlorine, phosphate, and magnesium.
What are the benefits of electrolytes? What are the primary functions of electrolytes?
Here are some of the benefits/functions of electrolytes:
- Help maintain the water in your body
- Maintains the pH level in your body
- Removes waste from your cells
- Transfers nutrients into your cells
- Regulates the function of your nerves, brain, heart, and muscles
- Help build new tissue
What can cause an imbalance of electrolytes?
Here are the multiple ways you can create an imbalance of electrolytes in your body:
- A loss of fluids through actions such as vomiting, diarrhea, sweating, or fever
- Lack of hydration
- Not eating enough
- Chronic respiratory issues
- Having a blood pH level that is higher than normal aka metabolic alkalosis
- Use of medications such as steroids, diuretics, land laxatives.
What happens when your body is low on electrolytes?
Common symptoms you may face when your body doesn't have enough electrolytes:
- irregular heartbeat
- fast heart rate
- fatigue
- lethargy
- convulsions or seizures
- nausea
- vomiting
- diarrhea or constipation
- abdominal cramping
- muscle weakness
- muscle cramping
- irritability
- confusion
- headaches
- numbness and tingling
What is the best way to replenish electrolytes?
Electrolytes are made up of minerals such as sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and chloride, you can help replenish your electrolytes through foods. Here's a list of foods that can help you replenish your electrolytes without drinking an electrolyte-based sports drink:
- Dairy- Filled with calcium, foods like milk and yogurt are a great source of electrolytes
- Bananas- Bananas are known for being loaded with potassium, with about 422mg of potassium per banana
- Coconut water- Coconut water is a great way to replenish electrolytes as it's packed with 600mg of potassium and 252mg of sodium per cup (depending on the manufacturer).
- Watermelon- Loaded with great nutrients such as potassium, water, and natural sugars, watermelon can provide an energy boost and electrolyte restore.
- Avocado- Like bananas, Avocados are filled with potassium at almost 975mg of potassium per avocado
Many athletes use products such as Gatorade and Powerade to help them in their training in order to replenish their electrolytes. While those drinks are packed with electrolytes, they are also packed with simple sugars that will give you an initial boost of energy, but that sudden burst will quickly fade. So, not only are these drinks filled with an unhealthy amount of sugar, but they also are spiking your glycemic index and making you crash. Don't you want a great tasting beverage that will provide you with the electrolytes you need without pumping you full of unhealthy sugars? Don't worry, Kill Cliff is on top of it.
Kill Cliff IGNITE is a perfect blend of natural caffeine, b-vitamins, and electrolytes to support hydration and energy. drink before workouts, long days or whenever you need to get fired up!
Kill Cliff RECOVER is a specialized blend of plant extracts, enzymes, b-vitamins, and electrolytes to support hydration and post-workout recovery. drink whenever you need to get back to full speed.
