Do you need electrolytes?
Posted by ANNA MCKELVEY
Take a look at the list below. How many of these fit you?
Whether you identify with one or multiple, you may benefit from improving your electrolyte balance.
YOU SWEAT: Heat, exercise, sports, hot flashes. Sweating means you’re losing electrolytes – replace them!
YOU DON’T SWEAT – EVER: Never sweat no matter how hot it is or how much you exercise? You may be missing the electrolytes necessary to cool your body. Sweating is your body’s natural way to cool down.
HAVE HIGH OR LOW BLOOD PRESSURE. Blood pressure can reflect electrolyte balance. Too much sodium can increase blood pressure. Dehydration and low sodium can produce low blood pressure. Magnesium and calcium also regulate blood pressure. If your blood pressure is high or low, you likely have an electrolyte imbalance.
TAKE MEDICATIONS: Blood pressure medications, antacids, antibiotics, cold medications, oral contraceptives and Hormone Replacement Therapy all alter electrolyte levels. Chemotherapy is especially hard on the body and recovery typically involves electrolyte replacement.
SUFFER FROM CONSTIPATION OR IRREGULARITY:
A first step in addressing these issues is to increase fluids and electrolytes.
EXPERIENCE CIRCULATION PROBLEMS: Cold hands and/or feet or fluid retention (edema)? Electrolytes are key to good circulation. Drink lots of water but still have these problems? You may need to add more electrolytes. True hydration is the right ratio of water AND electrolytes.
MUSCLE TIGHTNESS OR CRAMPING: Electrolytes like magnesium and potassium play a key role in keeping your muscles relaxed and supple.
SUFFER FROM CHRONIC OR RECURRING INFECTIONS: Electrolytes are nature’s original anti-bacterial, anti-fungal agent.