Electrolytes

Electrolytes are minerals present in the body that are essential for normal muscle function, cell function, and critical for proper organ function. Keeping them in balance is important during exercise is important to keep the muscles performing a their highest level.

The main electrolytes are sodium and potassium. The vastly overlooked electrolytes are calcium, magnesium, and zinc. Each of these minerals is an incredibly important part of muscular performance during high intensity/high endurance activities. The reason Electrolyte products are available and widely recommended is due to the fact that all the minerals listed are lost through sweating.

Electrolytes are needed for sustaining many functions in the human body: muscle contraction, regulating blood pressure, nerve transmissions, and numerous functions involving the heart. As the body loses more and more electrolytes through sweat these functions begin to slow or falter. This can result in issues such as muscle cramping, heat exhaustion, and dehydration.

Many average electrolyte based sports drinks do not even come close to meeting the required amount of electrolytes needed for during activity replenishment, let alone post-activity replenishment. For every litre of sweat the body releases it releases along with it 800mg of sodium, on average. The average electrolyte based sports drink has between 130mg-400mg per litre – a significant lacking don’t you think?

Picking up some additional calcium, magnesium, and zinc to use pre-activity and post-activity will be highly beneficial to complete the electrolyte supplement program. Do not over look these three critical minerals especially during the hot summer months when heat exhaustion and dehydration can easily occur.

Make sure to figure out before hand how long you are anticipating to be active so you can get a good idea as to how much sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and zinc you will need for that particular activity.