Electrolytes - What Are Electrolytes - Functions Of Electrolytes

In this video I discuss what are electrolytes, and the functions of electrolytes in the body. I cover what do electrolytes do in the body and electrolytes in food. I also discuss why you need electrolytes, and how exercise can deplete electrolytes in your body.





What are electrolytes?
Electrolytes are ionic minerals, which mean that they are minerals that have a positive or negative electrical charge. The 3 electrolyte minerals are sodium, potassium and chloride.

Sodium helps regulate blood pressure, and aid in nerve impulses and muscle contractions. Potassium helps to regulate heartbeat, muscle and nerve cell functions and helps maintain a healthy blood ph level. Chloride’s main function is to help with fluid balance in the body.

Your kidneys along with several hormones regulate electrolyte levels. Electrolytes are lost through sweat, urine, and feces. For people exercising more that 60 minutes, electrolyte loss can sometimes be a concern. However, in most people, Electrolyte deficiency is rare.

Many sports drinks are high in electrolytes, but they usually contain large amounts of added sugar, or artificial sweeteners. A great way to replenish electrolytes is by consuming them through foods. Bananas, spinach and avocado’s are high in potassium, sodium and chloride, or salt is added to many foods, such as sauces and soups, making their replenishment easy to achieve.

And that is the basics on electrolytes.

Timestamps
0:00 What are electrolytes?
0:10 The 3 main electrolytes
0:28 Body regulation of electrolytes
0:50 Foods high in electrolytes