Is it getting hot where you live? Then you'll want to think about safety on the steamy, sweaty days. It's also very important if you're in a dry climate and may not notice how much you're sweating. When you or your family members are outdoors working, gardening, playing sports, at the pool or beach, the park, or anywhere else where you'll be exposed to heat, be aware of importance of electrolyte balance. What are electrolytes?Electrolytes are mineral salts that conduct electricity when dissolved in water. They are sodium, chloride, potassium, phosphate, and calcium. They have several jobs in your body. Electrolytes regulate:
Electrolytes must be in specific concentrations in your body in order for it to function properly. Sodium and chloride are predominantly found in the extra-cellular fluid (outside the cell), and potassium and phosphate are normally found within the cellular fluid. To maintain proper balance, your cells make frequent adjustments by moving electrolytes and water into or out of the cells. Sodium and chloride are the body's principal electrolytes. They play a huge role in fluid balance. They readily join together via chemical bonds to make salt (sodium chloride). A deficiency in these electrolytes is called hyponatremia. It can be caused by:
This can occur if you're outside sweating for many hours, and in athletes, especially those involved in endurance sports such as marathon running. The symptoms can include: nausea, dizziness, muscle cramps, and in severe cases, coma. Potassium is the most important dietary electrolyte. A potassium shortage results in a lower level of stored glycogen (the storage form of blood-sugar in the muscles and liver). Glycogen is used by exercising muscles for energy, so a deficiency will produce fatigue and muscle weakness. Other signs are mental confusion, irritability, weakness, heart disturbances, and problems with muscle contraction. The amount of potassium lost in sweat can be significant, especially in the heat. Athletes have higher potassium needs. Because up to 3g of potassium can be lost in one day of sweating, Dr. Michael Murray recommends a daily intake of at least 4 g of potassium. The best food sources of potassium include legumes, potatoes, seafood, dairy, meat, many fruits and vegetables, and the most popular among athletes... bananas! |
Redmond Real sea salt, on the other hand, not only has sodium and chloride, but also many other important trace minerals. I keep some real salt in my purse and have been known to just throw some in my mouth followed by a glass of water. It does the trick! (It contains over 60 different trace minerals.) |
Redmond Real sea salt is also the same salt I put in my salt shaker at home and use in my recipes. It's delicious! Read my article: Table Salt vs. Natural Sea Salts: What the Difference Means for your Health

Celtic Sea Salt Electrolyte Powder Drink Mix is crushed, powdery sea salt. Mix a couple of scoops into your water.
Easy, peasy!

Pure coconut water has a nice amount of electrolytes. It's best served chilled and is great by itself or in a vegetable smoothie after a long day in the sun! (Avoid the refined types and those with chemical additives.)

Trace Minerals Endure are drops you put in your drinks.
They're great for before, during, and after exercise and anytime you need them.

Electrolyte Stamina are tablets to swallow. Keep a bottle in your gym, soccer, tennis, karate, or other sports bag!
These are especially convenient for when you're out on a day trip, or hike. Just pack a few and you're good to go!
Make your own electrolyte capsules
You can even save some money in the long run by making your own electrolyte capsules. No fancy pill maker needed! Just fill some empty capsules with mineral-rich, unrefined Real Sea Salt.
It's easy: Pour some sea salt into a bowl, scoop some salt into the large half of a capsule, and snap the small half on. Voila!
(Be sure not to use any "wet" sea salt brands. They would melt the capsule.)
They are best taken with some food in your stomach.
It's easy: Pour some sea salt into a bowl, scoop some salt into the large half of a capsule, and snap the small half on. Voila!
(Be sure not to use any "wet" sea salt brands. They would melt the capsule.)
They are best taken with some food in your stomach.
Information Sources:
Encyclopedia of Healing Foods, By Michael T. Murray, Joseph Pizzorno, Lara Pizzorno
Nutritional Sciences: From Fundamentals to Food, By Michelle McGuire, Kathy A. Beerman
Medical disclaimer: Check with your doctor if you have any medical condition that may warrant a low salt intake. Note: it's often refined salt, not sea salt, that raises health concerns.
Pin it:
Comments are closed.
Jenny Yelle, MHNE Holistic Wellness EducatorHello lovelies! Thanks for visiting Au Naturale Nutrition and sharing my passion for holistic living and whole foods. I love to help my readers take a natural approach to beauty and aging gracefully. Radiate beautiful health! (read more) |
Download both of my FREE e-Books!
Take my e-course!
No homework or tests, just great information about holistic beauty & wellness:
Get a discount by using the link here:
Quick Links: |
By accessing or using any page on AuNaturaleNutrition.com, you agree that you have read, understood, and will abide by the:
Terms of Service & Conditions | Full Disclaimer | Privacy Policy | Copyright & Recipe Policy | Affiliate Disclosure | Comments Policy The information on this website is for educational purposes only. It has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, prevent, or cure any disease. You assume full responsibility and liability for your own actions. Any/all of the links on AuNaturaleNutrition.com are affiliate links from which I receive a small commission from sales of certain items. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Thank you! |