The Importance of Electrolytes
WHAT ARE ELECTROLYTES?
Electrolytes are important minerals found in our blood, urine and sweat that carry an electric charge and are essential for the body’s day-to-day functioning. These types of minerals, which include potassium, magnesium, and sodium, can be sourced and consumed in foods like green vegetables, nuts, seeds, milks, etc. However, most people don’t consume enough to keep adequately hydrated, and the consequences of depleted electrolytes can include dehydration, muscle spasms, blood clotting, impairment of acid balance, and more.
LOSING ELECTROLYTES
The most frequent way we lose electrolytes is through our sweat. Sweating is the body’s way of cooling itself down after being triggered by the sympathetic nervous system during exercise, fever-provoked illness, hot climates, and/or heat therapies (e.g., infrared sauna, steam shower, heated yoga, or workouts).
Other common ways we lose our electrolytes are through urine output, persistent vomiting, not eating or drinking enough, persistent respiratory issues, and medications.
MAGNESIUM AND POTASSIUM
Magnesium is known for its important role in helping muscles relax. In fact, 99% of magnesium in the body is found in bone, muscles, and soft tissue. It is one of the big players in our everyday energy system (known as the ATP system). Additionally, magnesium assists with neurological function and assists in the release of neurotransmitters. As for potassium, this is essential for “normal bodily functions”, including maintenance of blood pressure, nerve signaling, and muscle contractions, and assists with maintaining normal levels of fluid inside the body’s cells.
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The most common way we lose our electrolytes is by sweating (as well as urinating, and overconsumption of sugar, medication, caffeine, and specific dietary approaches). Sweating occurs as our body’s way of cooling down itself; due to the response given by the autonomic or sympathetic nervous system. This happens through vigorous exercise, fever, hot climate, nervousness, or the famous sauna. Infrared saunas are known to have great health benefits, including improved blood circulation, fight fatigue, muscle pain relief, immunity support, stress relief, and much more. During a 45-minute session, the body is able to remove toxins through sweat – thanks to our body’s biggest organ, our skin. As a result of this, electrolytes are reduced. This is where we introduce our new brand Sodii; an Australian, all-natural electrolyte drink ready to replenish your body with everything it needs.
Brand spotlight: Sodii
With 80% of Australians walking around dehydrated, this small brand with a team full of creatives and future-thinkers have brought us Everyday Hydration Salts. Made with key electrolytes, this new drink mix is sugar free; and can assist with acute dehydration, cramping, headaches, athletic performance, mental performance, and low carb diets. Use it as a morning pick me up, during your workouts, as daily recovery, an afternoon boost or after coffee.
Perfectly packed into a sachet,
so you can take your Sodii’s anywhere
Vitality House Tip: Enjoy Sodii pre-sauna or steam shower to ensure you stay hydrated.