I think that "electrolyte" became a buzzword in sporting circles with the development and subsequent marketing of ------orade, and similar “sports drinks”. The beverage companies did not invent electrolytes though, they’ve been inside us all along.
Electrolytes simply put, are organic salts, minerals in our body’s that carry an electric charge, also known as ions. They are naturally present in all of our bodily fluids; blood, urine, sweat, tears, etc. Sodium, Calcium, potassium, chloride, phosphorus, bicarbonate, sulfates and magnesium are the electrolytes most abundant in our body.
Electrolytes are used in our body to maintain voltages across cellular membranes, which work as communication via impulses to and from other cells. These impulses could result in a muscle contraction, or a nerve being stimulated, etc.
Electrolytes play a big role in water balance within the body, upset in electrolyte balance can result from under or over hydration, or kidney dysfunction. Our electrolyte balance therefore becomes off kilter when we loose too much fluid through sweating, vomiting, or diarrhea. After these episodes it is important to replenish our lost minerals in an attempt to re-establish electrolyte equilibrium. Loss of Sodium, potassium and calcium are the most troublesome for smooth functioning in our systems. Exercising outdoors during summertime, hot yoga cases and infrared sauna are all activities that increase the need for electrolyte replacement.
Rather than reaching for a sugar or aspartame commercialized sports drink, try one of these homemade replacement recipes modified from those found on fitday.com
1/4 cup of lemon juice
1/4 cup of lime juice
1 teaspoon of salt
1 whole squeezed orange (or 1/2 frozen can of orange juice)
Pinch of baking soda
1 liter of water
Coco-ade
2 cups of coconut milk
1 teaspoon of salt
Pinch of baking soda
1 teaspoon of honey
1 liter of water
Single Serve
2 lemon halves squeezed into a large drinking glass
2 orange halves added
Squirt of honey
Four shakes of salt
Pinch of baking soda
Fill the rest of the glass with water
