Electrolytes are essential minerals and substances that carry an electric charge when dissolved in bodily fluids like blood, sweat, and urine. They perform several critical functions in the body:
- Conduct electrical charges: Electrolytes enable electrical impulses that are necessary for nerve signal transmission and muscle contraction, including the heart muscle
- Regulate muscle and nerve function: They help muscles contract and relax properly and support nervous system communication
- Maintain fluid balance: Electrolytes control the movement of water in and out of cells through osmosis, which keeps the body's hydration levels balanced and prevents cells from swelling or shrinking excessively
- Balance pH levels: They help maintain the body's acid-base balance (pH), which is vital for normal cellular function and overall health
- Support other physiological processes: Electrolytes assist in blood pressure regulation, blood clotting, nutrient transport, tissue repair, and metabolic functions
Key electrolytes include sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, chloride, phosphate, and bicarbonate, each contributing to these vital roles in different ways
. In summary, electrolytes are indispensable for maintaining hydration, enabling muscle and nerve function, regulating pH, and supporting many other bodily processes critical to health and survival
