Electrolytes have become a buzzword in the sports industry, but their importance extends to the deepest physiological functions of the human body. Without electrolytes, the body would not be able to operate properly. Electrolytes are found in foods and drinks that we eat every day. Most people are probably unaware of their importance, but they are the key to maintaining hydration.
Definition
According to Medline Plus, an electrolyte is defined as a positively or negatively charged mineral that is electrically conductive. Sodium, potassium, calcium, chlorine, phosphate and magnesium are common electrolytes. They exist in the blood, urine and fluids, both in the extracellular regions---outside the cell---and intracellular regions---inside the cell.
Function
Electrolytes play an important role in the natural homeostasis of the body by maintaining a stable internal environment. They help coordinate muscle contractions, heart function and the conductivity of electric signals in the nervous system. These tasks are accomplished by maintaining electrical impulses across cell membranes. They are essentially like chemical messengers in the body.
Electrolyte Imbalance
Normally the kidney is the organ that regulates fluid absorption and excretion in order to preserve a narrow electrolyte balance, but when the level of electrolytes becomes too high or too low, an imbalance can occur. Sodium, potassium and calcium are usually the elements most likely to suffer from an electrolyte imbalance. Sodium is a particular problem because it can suck water out of cells. Too much sodium is called hypernatremia, and too little is called hyponatremia.
Causes
An electrolyte imbalance is caused by a change in the amount of electrolytes in your body. There are many reasons why these levels might change, including a poor diet, medicines, kidney problems or diseases, the last of which can cause electrolytes to be excreted from vomit or diarrhea. Athletes, or at least anyone who exercises on a regular basis, must be acutely aware of an electrolyte imbalance because of the minerals that may escape from sweat, especially during hot days. Sweating is important for maintaining body temperature, but a few grams of electrolytes are lost for every liter of sweat.
Prevention/Solution
Electrolyte loss can cause impaired or lost physiological function. Losing 2 percent of your body weight from sweat can cause impaired performance. At 5 percent you may succumb to heat exhaustion. At 10 percent you may have a heat stroke. The only solution is to hydrate properly during and after exercise. Water does not contain electrolytes, so you will need to ingest more substantive calories to replenish the minerals that were lost from the act of sweating. Sports drinks are popular because they provide a more concentrated and targeted amount of electrolytes than most other foods or liquids.
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