All About Electrolytes & Hydration
WHAT ARE ELECTROLYTES?
Electrolytes are minerals
that get electrically charged
when dissolved in liquid.5
WHERE ARE ELECTROLYTES FOUND?
Electrolytes are found in urine,
blood and sweat.6
WHAT ARE ELECTROLYTES?
Electrolytes are minerals that get electrically charged when dissolved in liquid.5
WHERE ARE ELECTROLYTES FOUND?
Electrolytes are found in urine, blood and sweat.6
WHY ARE ELECTROLYTES SO IMPORTANT?
Electrolytes are important for many body functions including:5
STARTING
NERVE IMPULSES
Our brains (our control centres) need electrolytes to send messages to different body parts.5
FLUID
BALANCE
Most of the human body is composed of water, which is used for many vital functions. Electrolytes in your blood can trigger your kidneys to excrete less water during dehydration so more water stays in the blood.5
MUSCLE
CONTRACTION
Without electrolytes, muscles wouldn’t contract or allow us to move. This includes contraction of the heart muscle and its ability to beat.5 Electrolytes are found in urine,
blood and sweat.6
WHY ARE ELECTROLYTES SO IMPORTANT?
Electrolytes are important for many body functions including:5
STARTING
NERVE IMPULSES
Our brains (our control centres) need electrolytes to send messages to different body parts.5
FLUID
BALANCE
Most of the human body is composed of water, which is used for many vital functions. Electrolytes in your blood can trigger your kidneys to excrete less water during dehydration so more water stays in the blood.5
MUSCLE
CONTRACTION
Without electrolytes, muscles wouldn’t contract or allow us to move. This includes contraction of the heart muscle and its ability to beat.5
WHAT DOES POTASSIUM DO?
Potassium aids in nerve impulse conduction, muscle contraction and heartbeat regulation.5
WHAT DOES SODIUM DO?
Sodium helps to maintain the fluid balance within the body.5 Salt also helps the body absorb nutrients into its cells.7
WHY DO ACTIVE PEOPLE AND
ATHLETES NEED ELECTROLYTES?
Electrolytes dissolve in water, so levels can go down when the body loses water through breath evaporation, sweating and waste elimination. Physical activities and sports can speed up breath evaporation and sweating, so it’s important for active individuals and athletes to monitor their electrolyte intake during active periods.7
WHAT IS
ELECTROLYTE IMBALANCE?
Our bodies work hard to maintain the balance of water and electrolytes (cellular equilibrium) that’s optimal for daily functioning. When the body doesn’t have enough electrolytes in the cells, water moves out of the cell, leading to cellular dehydration.4
WHAT ASPECTS ARE AFFECTED BY DEHYDRATION
(RUNNING LOW ON WATER AND ELECTROLYTES)?
ATHLETIC
PERFORMANCE
Water acts as a cushion for your joints, so dehydration can reduce flexibility and slow you down.7
ENDURANCE
Staying hydrated is vital for muscle function (including your heart’s ability to pump blood efficiently) and helps prevent cramps.7
BREATHING
Your body needs fluids to moisten the air you breathe, making it easier for your lungs to absorb oxygen.7
MOOD
Your brain relies on water to function properly. Just like low blood sugar can make you ‘hangry’, dehydration can affect your mood and concentration and lead to headaches and irritability.7
