Electrolytes Your Body Must Have
Did you know over 75% of Americans are chronically dehydrated? That’s a sobering statistic. But even more shocking than that, is that 90% of Americans are chronically demineralized.
Now you might be asking yourself what the big deal is about being demineralized. Most people don’t realize how essential minerals are to maintaining a functioning body and their effect on one’s quality of life – as they participate in your body’s chemical reactions, they literally determine how well your body works.
Here are the basics: minerals in your body divide into electrolytes and trace minerals. Electrolytes are found in larger quantities and serve many functions.
What are electrolytes and why do we need them?
Electrolytes are minerals present in moderate quantities in your body that have an electric charge when they are in your body. There are 7 main ones: sodium, chloride, potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphate, bicarbonate. They are a key component in found in all your major bodily fluids.
Each electrolyte participates in a different set of bodily processes. But collectively, electrolytes hydrate your body. A loss of electrolytes will cause a loss of water retention, while consuming more electrolytes enables you to retain water better and stay hydrated for longer.
The top electrolytes your body needs
Here is a list of the key electrolytes your body needs. We’ve included with each electrolyte its role in the body and some foods that you can eat to make sure you’re getting it.
1. Sodium
What it does: Sodium maintains proper blood pressure and participates in nerve impulses.
Foods containing it: Sauces, table salt, salad dressings, cured meats, bacon, pickles, bouillon, soups, roasted nuts, snack foods, fast foods, canned foods, cheeses, etc.
2. Chloride
What it does: Chloride is a component of hydrochloric acid in your stomach, which breaks down proteins before digestion and kills bacteria that enters the body.
Foods containing it: Table salt, most vegetables (especially tomatoes, lettuce, celery), olives, seaweed, rye, etc.
3. Potassium
What it does: Potassium maintains electrolyte balance in the body and participates in nerve impulses.
Foods containing it: Beans, dark leafy greens, potatoes, squash, yogurt, fish, avocados, mushrooms, bananas, etc.
4. Calcium
What it does: Calcium assists in growth and maintenance of teeth and bones; participates in nerve signaling, muscle contraction, and the secretion of hormones and enzymes.
Foods containing it: Dark leafy greens, low-fat cheese, Chinese cabbage (Bok Choi), fortified soy products, okra, broccoli, green beans, almonds, sardines, etc.
5. Magnesium
What it does: Magnesium maintains muscle and nerve function, supports the immune system, maintains heart rhythm, builds bones, and produces energy.
Foods containing it: Dark leafy greens (esp. chard and kale), nuts and seeds, fish, beans and lentils, grains, avocados, low-fat dairy products, bananas, dried figs, dark chocolate, etc.
6. Phosphorus
What it does: Phosphorus maintains cell functioning, metabolism, bone strength, and energy production.
Foods containing it: Seeds, cheese, fish, shellfish, nuts, low-fat dairy, soy, beans, and lentils.
7. Bicarbonate
What it does: Bicarbonate regulates the pH of bodily fluids and buffer lactic acid in muscles.
Foods containing it: Raisins, apples, carrots, bananas, potatoes, etc
Are you wondering what to do if you’re experiencing demineralization?
As each electrolyte serves a different function, the symptoms of demineralization will depend on the mineral that is absent, and to what extent. A blood test will determine what deficiencies you have with certainty, but some are more common, particularly Magnesium and Chloride.
The first step in living a healthy life is finding out whether, and in which areas you are demineralized. Once you know where you stand, you can begin to reap the benefits of mineralization by eating a diet rich in the foods listed above. Mineral supplements can also help address an electrolyte deficiency, but they are no substitute for a healthy, mineral-rich diet.
How to address this deficiency.
By design, our foods and drinking water was made to be full of nutrients and minerals, providing our bodies with all the essentials for optimal health and wellness. Our ancestors lived enjoying this kind of diet, but in this day and age, most of us only have access to foods and water that has been stripped of all of their minerals and loaded with chemicals and heavy metals. No wonder our bodies are failing us. They are desperate for the kind of nutrients that gives life.
There is hope. Did you know our high quality wellness products by Yoli puts back in your body what is lacking in our everyday foods and beverages. Consuming Yoli products provides your body the essential minerals, aids absorption of water, and neutralizes the acidity of your lifestyle.