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What Are Electrolytes? And How Important Are They For Your Body?

Electrolytes. The positive or negative ions used in metabolic processes, found in your blood, urine and sweat. Electrolytes aren’t the most popular topic, but they’re crucial to keeping your nervous system and muscles functioning and your internal environment balanced. Whether you’re an athlete or not, consuming electrolytes will benefit your body a lot.

“How much electrolytes should I be taking every day?”

According to Amy Goodson, MS, a registered dietitian and consultant in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, common electrolytes include:

Sodium – Less than 2,300

Potassium – 3,000

Chloride – 2,300

Magnesium – 350

Phosphate – 700

“What are the symptoms of electrolyte imbalance?”

Electrolyte levels can change in relation to water levels in the body as well as other factors and it can become too high or too low. The concentration can also be affected by the loss of fluids, such as after a bout of diarrhoea or vomiting.

Depending on which electrolyte is out of balance, the symptoms will depend. A harmful concentration of magnesium, sodium, potassium, or calcium can produce one or more of the following symptoms:

  • Irregular Heartbeat
  • Weakness
  • Bone Disorders
  • Twitching
  • Changes in Blood Pressure
  • Confusion
  • Seizures
  • Numbness
  • Nervous System Disorders
  • Excessive Tiredness
  • Convulsions
  • Muscle Spasm

A calcium excess can also occur, especially in those with breast cancer, lung cancer, and multiple myeloma. This type of excess is often caused by the destruction of bone tissue. Signs and symptoms that may occur:

  • Frequent Urination
  • Irregular Heartbeat
  • Lethargy
  • Fatigue
  • Moodiness and Irritability
  • Nausea
  • Stomach Pain
  • Vomiting
  • Extreme Muscle Weakness
  • Thirst
  • Dry Mouth or Throat
  • Total Loss of Appetite
  • Coma
  • Confusion
  • Constipation

“Where can I get natural electrolytes?”

There are many many traditional companies that offer electrolytes replacement drinks. But oftentimes, electrolyte-enhanced beverages, or sports drinks, are laden with added sugar, artificial flavours, colours and they are very costly.

But unlike any other traditional company, UCAN has expanded beyond the world of athletics to meet the needs of anyone who may benefit from a hydration and mineral boost.