As the mother of 10 athletic and active children, it can be challenging to ensure that the kids keep hydrated with electrolytes. If the body doesn’t get the needed H2O and electrolytes it can lead to dehydration, cramping, sore muscles, abnormal muscle tone, & digestion complications!
Check out the science stuff from BOUNDLESS.COM
“Electrolytes play a vital role in maintaining homeostasis within the body.
They help regulate myocardial and neurological function, fluid balance, oxygen delivery, acid-base balance, and other biological processes.
Electrolytes are important because they are what cells (especially those of the nerve, heart, and muscle) use to maintain voltages across their cell membranes and to carry electrical impulses (nerve impulses, muscle contractions) across themselves and to other cells.
Electrolyte imbalances can develop from excessive or diminished ingestion and from the excessive or diminished elimination of an electrolyte. The most common cause of electrolyte disturbances is renal failure. The most serious electrolyte disturbances involve abnormalities in the levels of sodium, potassium, and/or calcium.”
Source: Boundless. “Sodium, Electrolytes, and Fluid Balance.” Boundless Anatomy and Physiology. Boundless, 07 Nov. 2016. Retrieved 28 Nov. 2016 from https://www.boundless.com/physiology/textbooks/boundless-anatomy-and-physiology-textbook/body-fluids-and-acid-base-balance-26/electrolyte-balance-247/sodium-electrolytes-and-fluid-balance-1211-8486/
Natural Electrolyte foods
Pure “hungry” water is the simplest natural remedy for thirst. To keep up the electrolytes our family stocks up on healthy snacks & smoothies.
Unsweetened coconut water provides natural electrolytes and does not come with chemicals, dyes or corn syrup. Other foods that provide electrolytes naturally are:
Sodium: Beets, Celery, Carrots, Radishes, Broccoli
Potassium: Cantaloupe Melon, Honeydew Melon, Carrots, Sweet Potato, Banana
Magnesium: Spinach, Swiss Chard, Kale, Beet Greens, Avocado
Calcium: Broccoli, Kale, Spinach, Swiss chard, Collard Greens
Happy sweating and happy hydrating!
