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health advisory Hospital Health advisory 2007-11-16 5:20:03

I've heard that they replenish our energy (???) or something- that's why sports drinks have so many electrolytes. I've also been taught that sodium and pottasium are the main sources of electrolytes (that's why banana is eaten before sports- they've got a lot of potassium) but I don't understand how they work? Can anyone help? Please answer in simple terms (I'm really stupid!)Thanx!

Answer:

Electrolytes keep you body in balance. They keep the amount of water in your body in balance, carry impulses along your nerves, help make your muscles contract and relax, and keep your body from becoming too acidic.

You need electrolytes to carry glucose (blood sugar) and other nutrients into your cells and to carry waste products and extra water out again. Electrolytes also regulate your blood pressure and your heart beat.

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Sodium and Potassium are especially important for your heart health. Too much or too little of either or both can cause you to have a "missed" heartbeat or a "different" heartbeat. This in turn can cause you to be tired because your heart isn't beating correctly. Your muscles also need them to function properly (after all the heart is a muscle). It allows your muscles to flex, extend, and hold water appropriately. That is as simple as I can make it.

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