If you have been competing at any level, in just about any sport, chances are you are
aware of the importance of electrolytes. That awareness, and how you apply it, can
make all the difference to your performance.
This report summarizes information available on electrolytes and hopefully lets you
make an informed choice on the electrolytes you consume.
What Are Electrolytes ?
Electrolytes are usually solutions of acids, salts or bases. These may be solid, or
liquid when dissolved, or even a gas. For example, carbon dioxide when dissolved in
water releases carbonate and hydro carbonate electrolytes.
In essence, an electrolyte solution is a liquid which has the potential to conduct
electricity thanks to the salts, bases and acids dissolved in it. This is why in some
cases molten salts, while not dissolved, may be considered electrolytes. They
conduct electricity.
Electrolyte solutions vary in intensity however, and it”s this variance between dilute
and strong solutions that determine how effectively the solution conducts electricity.
The more water, the less electrical current transfer capacity, and the weaker the
electrolyte solution.
So while water is critical to maintain hydration, it does not provide the power our
bodies need. If you are training or competing, you need something more.
Electrolytes in the Body
For the purpose of this report, we focus on the human, but it”s worth noting that all
animals require the correct balance of electrolytes to function and perform. Here”s
why.
Electrolytes, such as sodium (Na+), Calcium (Ca2+) and so on, are all ionic in nature,
as indicated by the positive or negative charge symbols. Since many of the tissues in
the human body require electricity to function, it stands to reason that the passage of
these positive or negatively charged ions between the intracellular and extracellular
fluids provide the charge required. Without the correct or adequate levels of a
particular electrolyte, or indeed, a particular polarity, the tissues that rely on this
transfer of energy to function correctly do not receive the power or energy they need,
and they cannot function at their peak.
This is why, when athletes become dehydrated, the body is overcome with an
extreme form of fatigue. If this continues long enough, it can have serious
consequences. It”s a little like the batteries being taken out of an appliance. Without
power, you have no functionality.
Of course, we need a wide range of different electrolytes in our bodies, as each is
used for a specific purpose. For instance, sodium, potassium and calcium, are
required for muscle contraction. While magnesium, is needed for muscular
relaxation. If there are insufficient levels of these flowing through the ionic channels
in the cells, muscle contraction and relaxation will be poor and imbalanced which will
lead to muscular cramping, fatigue and poor performance.
What If You Consume Too Many Electrolytes?
For the average person in the street, who is not a competitive athlete, a balanced
diet will provide them with their quota of electrolytes. However, as an athlete, how do
you know how much is enough, and how much is too much?
Well, the good news is that the body”s excretory system is actually designed to rid
the body of excess electrolytes. The sweat glands, kidneys and other excretory
organs all contribute to getting rid of any excess. If, of course, you have adequate
renal and organ function!
In a healthy person, this is known as electrolyte homeostasis, and means that the
body has neither a shortage nor an excess of the electrolytes it needs to function.
The process of regulating this electrolyte homeostasis is hormonal, and controlled by
a variety of hormones secreted from the endocrine glands.
So, if you are healthy, your body will naturally work to keep your electrolyte levels in
balance, if you are consuming enough electrolytes, that is. In fact, if and when you
are ever required to undergo electrolyte testing, you will almost certainly be tested for
renal function too, since elevated electrolyte levels are a clear indication of renal
difficulty.
The Problem with Commercial Preparations
Up till now commercial beverages, powders and gels have been the best options for
athletes.However, many of these commercial preparations also contained high levels of
sugar, preservatives, water and other ingredients, and less than the optimal level of
electrolytes.
This meant that even as athletes consumed them, they still ran the risk of an
electrolyte imbalance. Their bodies struggled to process the various additives and
fillers, instead of combining with the vitamins and minerals that are needed for the
electrolytes to be properly absorbed and utilized.
In short, the bioavailability of the electrolytes themselves was low, meaning many
important electrolytes were excreted before they could be absorbed and used.
The Solution ” Recovery e21
The endurance athlete requires a solution that supplies a full spectrum of organic
electrolytes with adequate amounts of trace elements and minerals for immediate
bioavailability.
The endurance athlete does not require all the extra ingredients, colorants, flavorants
and preservatives of the standard commercial products.
When, in my sports medical practice I was presented with Recovery e21 I was so
excited to find it offered the following benefits over its competitors:
” Recovery e21 contains a full spectrum of electrolytes that are immediately
bioavailable.
” Recovery e21 is completely organic, rather than manufactured or synthetic.
” Recovery e21 maintains a balance of electrolyte intake.
” Recovery e21 allows you to maintain hydration, without risking over
hydration.
” Recovery e21 has a positive effect on body and mind because it supports the
conductivity of both neural and muscular tissues.
” Recovery e21 minimizes or eliminates the risk of muscle soreness and
cramping.
” Recovery e21 contains no sugar, no fat, and no preservatives and is vegan
friendly.
” Recovery e21 contains 93 other