Everyone has heard of electrolytes, but there’s not a widespread understanding of what exactly they are and how they support our bodies. However, getting to know more about these essential minerals is key to promoting many facets of your health. 

Here, I’m breaking down what electrolytes are and what they do. Let’s get started!

What Are Electrolytes?

In a nutshell, electrolytes are dissolved minerals that carry an electric charge—hence the name. Some electrolytes have positive charges, while others have negative charges. There are plenty of electrolytes in the world, but just seven are essential for the human body. Here they are, along with their electrical charges:

• Sodium (+)
• Potassium (+)
• Calcium (+)
• Magnesium (+)
• Phosphate (-)
• Chloride (-)
• Bicarbonate (-)

What Do Electrolytes Do?

So how do these charged minerals support our health? Well, we couldn’t live without them. Below is a breakdown of four invaluable ways electrolytes support our everyday existence.

Electrolytes Keep Us Hydrated

You’ve probably heard of this one. Most people have had someone tell them to replenish their electrolytes after a hot day or a sweaty workout. That’s because electrolytes help our cells retain fluid by regulating osmosis. 

Sodium is the biggest player here, as the right amount in your system helps water stay in your cells. Too much, however, draws water out of your cells, making you dehydrated. Now you know why salty food makes you thirsty!

Electrolytes Regulate Our Body’s pH

Our bodies have a pH, and achieving pH homeostasis is important for our metabolic health and general well-being. Electrolytes help to this end. Bicarbonate is particularly instrumental here, as too little of this electrolyte can make our blood too acidic, and too much can make it too alkaline. However, don’t go adding bicarbonate into your diet; your body produces it naturally via metabolism and then manages its levels via homeostasis.

Electrolytes Support Your Nerve and Muscle Function

Did you know that your muscles use electrical charges to contract? That’s right—it’s not just your personality that’s electrifying! 

Your brain and nervous system are what control your muscles. More specifically, your brain sends electrical impulses to your muscles, signaling to them the commandment to move. 

Well, your nervous system can’t effectively send these electrical impulses without sufficient electrolytes, as these charged ions are what help transmit such impulses through the body. Calcium is particularly beneficial for this purpose.

Electrolytes Support Heart Function

Related to the last point, the heart is also a muscle that relies on electrolytes for optimal functioning. Similarly, certain electrolytes can manage a healthy blood pressure, including potassium and calcium. Mind the sodium though; this electrolyte is linked to hypertension if consumed in excess.

Where Do You Get Electrolytes From?

Though you can also consume electrolytes via supplements (such as sports drinks), you shouldn’t need to if you consume a well-rounded diet full of fruits, vegetables, legumes, and grains. 

You’ll get most of your calcium, potassium, phosphate, and magnesium from whole foods, some of which are rather surprising sources of electrolytes. Most of your sodium and chloride will come from salt. As for bicarbonate, your body produces this electrolyte through metabolism—no need to consume it! 

Wrapping Up

By now, you have a pretty good idea of what electrolytes are what they do. Being informed can help you make electrolyte-rich diet decisions to support your body with healthy levels of all essential electrolytes. Doing so will help you feel better all the time, especially on your runs!