Most people have heard of electrolytes, whether in gym class or sports drink commercials, but may not be sure what exactly electrolytes are, other than some amorphous nutrient needed for supreme athletic performance.  Here are a few fun facts about electrolytes to help you make conversation around the sports drink cooler:

 Scientifically speaking, electrolytes are ions that conduct electricity.
 Nutritionally speaking, electrolytes are salts such as sodium, potassium, and chloride as well as minerals such as calcium and magnesium.
 In cells, electrolytes conduct the electrical charges that make life possible.  This is why conditions associated with increased loss of electrolytes (i.e. heatstroke) are so serious.
 Electrolytes regulate nerve impulses and muscle movement.
 Electrolytes keep the acid-alkaline balance of the body in check.
 You don’t need to sweat to lose electrolytes – stress is another major cause of electrolyte imbalance.

I’ll be blogging on electrolytes for the rest of the month while our Essential Electrolyte drink is on sale.  If you have any specific questions about electrolytes, please post them in the Comments section and I’ll address them in my blogs.  Thanks for reading!

Related posts:

1. Ideas for Taking Essential Electrolytes
2. Electrolytes for Everything
3. Electrolytes and Blood Pressure
4. More On Heart Health