Electrolytes are minerals in our body that have positive or negative electrical charge when dissolved in water. These includes;
- Sodium
- Calcium
- Potassium
- Chloride
- Phosphate
- Magnesium
Electrolytes are found in blood, urine, tissues and other body fluids. Electrolytes are important for the key functions of the body. Electrolytes helps to regulate body temperature and blood pressure. It also maintains fluid balance in our cells. Electrolytes also help to transport nutrients in and out of the cells and rebuilds damaged tissues.
We get electrolytes from the food we eat and the water we drink. Our kidneys get rid of excess electrolytes from our body through the urine. We also lose electrolyte through our skin when we sweat. When we lose so much electrolytes, we feel dehydrated.
Electrolytes Beverages- How healthy are they?
Electrolytes water are getting popular today and people are thinking they are healthier options especially among sports and athletes. Sports drinks like Gatorade and power aid are popular electrolytes drinks. The have so much calories and not enough electrolytes to help the body.
Electrolytes that we get through food we eat are healthier for our body than electrolytes from sports drinks. We can also get electrolytes from coconut water. Other better options can be found in food like bananas, avocados have potassium while pumpkin seed kernels, almonds, and cooked spinach have great amount of magnesium.
Caffeinated Drink
Caffeine are natural stimulants found in coffee, chocolate and other beverages. It stimulates the central nervous and improves memory and mental function. Caffein may also reduce the risk of heart diseases as well as athletic performance. However, children, teens, elderly and people with high blood pressure are not advised to take caffeinated drinks.
Sugary Drinks
Sugar loaded drinks like Soda, soft drinks, alcoholic drinks are main sources of sugar in our body and are mostly the cause of chronic diseases like diabetes mellitus 2, cardiovascular diseases, cancer, kidney diseases, liver diseases etc. These drinks are sweetened with sugars. brown sugar, corn syrup, dextrose, fructose, maltose, glucose, lactose, sucrose, molasses and other sugar name list, to give it a taste.
