Contents
In line with its mission, the Editorial Board of MedTvoiLokony makes every effort to provide reliable medical content supported by the latest scientific knowledge. The additional flag “Checked Content” indicates that the article has been reviewed by or written directly by a physician. This two-step verification: a medical journalist and a doctor allows us to provide the highest quality content in line with current medical knowledge.
Our commitment in this area has been appreciated, among others, by by the Association of Journalists for Health, which awarded the Editorial Board of MedTvoiLokony with the honorary title of the Great Educator.
Electrolytes – we all know the word, but what it actually is we can’t explain. In general, we also do not know what role they play in the body. We do not know the consequences (although we feel them) of their lack. So it’s time to explain
The electrolytes necessary in the body are salt ions: sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium, besides iron, chloride and phosphate ions are also important (the anions present in the body are important in regulating the acid-base balance, support the production of hydrochloric acid in the stomach). . They are strong electrolytes, i.e. completely soluble in liquids. We provide them to the body with water, other liquids and food. Sodium is an ingredient in salt. Potassium is found in tomatoes, potatoes, bananas, avocados, kiwi, grapefruits, dried apricots, and figs. We supply calcium with milk and its products, sardines, legumes and wholemeal bread. Magnesium is contained in cocoa, chocolate, hazelnuts, oatmeal and buckwheat.
The body’s water balance depends on the presence of electrolytes. Because they are positively or negatively charged, they attract water molecules that are distributed throughout the body. In addition, electrolytes enable the conduction of nerve impulses necessary for the functioning of the brain and nervous system. They are also necessary for muscles, including the heart, because they influence their functioning (contractions and relaxation).
In addition, electrolytes are responsible for maintaining the correct pH level in our body. The pH scale is a measure of an acidic or alkaline solution. In our body, it is regulated by chemical buffers or weak acids and bases that help minimize changes in the internal environment. Our blood is regulated to be around 7,35 to 7,45. If it deviates from this, the body cannot function properly and therefore we feel bad.
Order OxeoORS electrolytes for water and electrolytes replenishment today, which are currently at a promotional price on Medonet Market.
The effects of the shortages are:
- muscle tremors and cramps,
- swelling
- diarrhea or constipation
- drowsiness, lack of energy, malaise,
- muscle aches,
- reduction of muscle strength,
- weakness,
- lack of appetite
- dizziness,
- nausea.
In more serious cases, also: fainting, convulsions, heart problems (arrhythmia), hypertension, bone fragility and even paralysis.
Children’s electrolytes are especially important. Their deficiencies quickly lead to dehydration.
It is also worth controlling the level of electrolytes in your body during pregnancy. The Pregnancy Testing – Blood Test Package also includes other parameters important for the proper course of pregnancy. You can buy the package on Medonet Market.
Electrolyte deficiencies are caused by:
- physical exertion (hard work, sport), when the body sweats intensely,
- diarrhea and vomiting
- drinking too little fluids,
- strict diet,
- diseases with high fever
- taking diuretics and laxatives.
Check the level of electrolytes in your body by doing the test in the package for ladies – Women’s health check – diagnostic blood tests or for men – Preventive blood tests for men.
The electrolytes are replenished by:
- drinking water, including highly mineralized water,
- drinking tomato juice,
- eating foods rich in potassium, calcium and magnesium (salt, i.e. sodium, we usually supply the body with too much),
- drinking isotonic drinks (these are actually drinking electrolytes),
- taking minerals in tablets.
At medonetmarket.pl you can order:
- Aqua Kick Electrolyte – a set of electrolytes in OstroVit sachets,
- Isotonic powder for the regulation of water and electrolyte balance OstroVit.
Electrolyte level testing
Often, malaise is explained by a deficiency of electrolytes. However, to know for sure, you need to conduct a study. It is called an ionogram and it is a test of the concentration of electrolytes. They are performed when there is a suspicion of disturbance of the body’s water and electrolyte balance. To do this, it will be necessary to collect a blood sample, as in the case of a complete blood count.
In most cases, they are performed in a hospital. They are performed in the morning and on an empty stomach, approximately 12 hours after the last meal. Thanks to this test, it is possible to determine the level of electrolytes, and thus select the appropriate composition of rehydration preparations.
It is worth checking the level of electrolytes regularly, especially if you want to go to a dietitian or improve your metabolism. On Medonet Market you will find Pre-consultation tests with a dietitian – home blood analysis. Thanks to this research, it will be easier for you to choose the right diet for you.
Elektrolity-normy
The correct concentration of electrolytes is:
- sodium: 135-145mmol / l,
- you can drink: 3,5-5,5 mmol/l,
- calcium: 2,25-2,75 mmol / l,
- magnesium: 0,65-1,2mmol/l.
It is worth taking care not to lead to electrolyte deficiency. In situations where the body loses a lot of water (heat, effort, illness), the body needs to be supplied with plenty of fluids. It is also worth devoting enough time to sleep (from 7 to 8 hours) so that our body can regenerate and rest.
You should remember not to base your diet on low-calorie diets or use fasting, because in this way you can lead to situations that are dangerous to our health.
Products rich in electrolytes include: fruit (bananas, kiwi, grapefruit, avocado), vegetables (tomato, potatoes), sardines, milk, cottage cheese, yoghurt, buttermilk, wholemeal bread, almonds, citrus, buckwheat, oatmeal , hazelnuts, dried figs, dried apricots, coconut water, tomato juice, mineral water, isotonic drink, pumpkin seeds, cocoa and chocolate.
It is worth mentioning that vegetables and fruits contain a lot of water, e.g. cucumbers and tomatoes have about 95% of it.
Check not only the level of electrolytes in your body, but also other parameters important for your health in the Preventive Examination Package – blood tests. You can buy it on Medonet Market.
Electrolytes – history
Svante Arrhenius, a Swedish chemist and physicist who developed the theory of electrolytic dissociation, i.e. the process of decomposition of chemical compounds into ions, is responsible for the discovery of electrolytes. The solution obtained in the dissociation process is called the electrolyte. For this discovery, the Swedish chemist was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1903.
Do we need more electrolytes if we sweat a lot?
When we sweat, we lose both water and electrolytes, especially sodium and chloride. As a result, long periods of exercise or physical activity, especially in hot weather, can cause a significant loss of electrolytes. It is estimated that sweat contains an average of about 40 to 60 millimoles of sodium per liter. However, the actual amount of electrolytes lost through sweat may vary from person to person.
For example, in the United States, the maximum recommended sodium intake is 2300 mg per day – equivalent to 6 grams or 1 teaspoon of table salt. Since approximately 90% of American adults consume significantly more sodium, most people do not need to replace the sodium lost in sweat. However, some groups of people, such as competitive athletes who exercise for more than two hours or those who exercise in extreme heat, may consider drinking electrolyte-fortified sports drinks to make up for their losses.
We also recommend the Litoxen Xenico dietary supplement in the form of soluble tablets. The preparation is available on Medonet Market in a 1 + 1 set.
For all others, it is sufficient to get the normal amount of sodium from your food and drinking water to stay properly hydrated.