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Good day everyone!
Our topic this month is electrolytes.
The popularity and notoriety of
sports and energy drinks has grown with increasing zeal over the last few
decades. A primary thrust of advertising is that these drinks replace and
replenish electrolytes that have been lost through sweat from heavy exercise.
However, although these sports drinks are used on a massive scale, many consumers
are not certain of what electrolytes are or what they do.
This newsletter will attempt
to discuss the function of electrolytes in terms of the human body and health,
where we can obtain them, and in what form they are best found and utilized. |
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Webster's Dictionary defines
electrolytes as "any substance which in solution or in a liquid form is
capable of conducting an electric current by the movement of its dissociated
positive and negative ions." A solution containing free ions
thus becomes an electrically conductive medium. For example, a water solution
may be a poor conductor of a low voltage current, but when a small amount of
table salt is added and allowed to dissolve, the solution now becomes ionic and
is a better conductor of electricity. The human body functions by utilizing
these ionic qualities on a massive scale.
The primary ions of electrolytes and thus the most
important are sodium (salt), potassium, calcium,
magnesium, chloride, hydrogen phosphate,
and hydrogen carbonate. These basic electrolytes
are absolutely necessary for hydration, proper muscle function and balance, normal
heart rhythm and contraction, healthy nerve conduction, breathing, blood pH and
brain function.
Humans require a complex
electrolyte balance in order to function normally. Control of the electrolyte
concentrations is important and carried out by a complex network of systems in
the body. For example, without sufficient levels of the key electrolytes sodium
and potassium, which provide a stronger medium of electrical conductivity, not
only are muscle weakness or muscle cramping possible, but nerve conduction may
be severely impaired or halted altogether.
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Our bodies can lose electrolytes
and thus become imbalanced primarily through
sweat, but also by anything that causes a fluid loss such as: diarrhea,
vomiting, fever, chronic heart or kidney diseases, chronic endocrine diseases,
eating disorders, medications such as those used to get rid of excess
fluid in the body (diuretics) and bone disorders.
Electrolyte balance or
homeostasis (a fluctuating health regulation within the body) is normally maintained
by oral intake of electrolyte-containing substances, and is regulated by hormones,
primarily the kidneys which help to flush out excess fluids and electrolytes.
Electrolyte drinks contain
essential elements like sodium, potassium and magnesium. However, one of the
drawbacks of these drinks is the sum of their ingredients. In addition to the
typical electrolytes, the more popular drinks contain refined carbohydrates,
chemicals and sweeteners, such as: sucrose syrup, glucose-fructose syrup, high
fructose corn syrup, maltodextrin, citric acid, natural and artificial flavors,
salt, sodium citrate, monopotassium phosphate, ester gum, sucrose acetate
isobutyrate, and yellow 5, an artificial coloring agent.
Sucrose
syrup and glucose-fructose syrup are more commonly known as sugar and occur in
large quantities. For example, one popular sports drink contains 76 grams of
sugar in each bottle.
High fructose corn syrup, found
in many electrolyte sports drinks has been linked to insulin resistance
(diabetes), elevated triglyceride levels and obesity. High fructose corn syrup,
unlike glucose, is almost entirely metabolized in the liver. Liver function
shunts everything in order to metabolize the fructose and cannot perform it's
normal duties.
Eating high fructose corn syrup can result in weight gain as well as depleting the body of precious minerals. |
In addition
to the above ingredients, some electrolyte drinks are also labeled as energy
drinks and contain large quantities of caffeine and/or stimulants. High amounts of caffeine
may cause insomnia, nervousness, headache, and tachycardia.
In cases of extreme over-consumption, death is possible.
It's easy to see how important it
is to find an exceptional, liquid supplement that contains the right balance of
electrolytes without the inclusion of synthetics, processed or man-made
ingredients. What does one look for when choosing a good electrolyte drink?
It's important to look for liquid
supplements that are organic, contain electrolytes and minerals that come from
live foods and include Fulvic Acid. Fulvic Acid is the result of the natural
breakdown of organic plant matter and is absolutely necessary for proper
utilization of minerals by the body. For example, minerals such as Calcium and
Magnesium cannot be fully dissolved without the inclusion of Fulvic Acid. This
is vital for full cellular absorption. Fulvic Acid is so powerful
that one single molecule is capable of carrying 60 or more minerals
and trace elements into the cells.
Ideally, a supplement that contains electrolytes should be in carbon-bond
organic form, contain a good supply of potassium, calcium, magnesium and sodium
as well as added protein (amino acids), and antioxidants to help muscles
recover from the stress and strain of longer workouts.
Additionally, your liquid electrolyte
supplement should contain little or no refined sugars, artificial flavors, colors
or preservatives. When these basic guidelines are followed, your chances of
receiving the necessary electrolytes your body needs for proper function,
increase dramatically.
As always, thank you for reading!
Until next month, I remain yours in good health!
Sincerely,
Dr. Mike
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