Understanding Electrolytes

Electrolyte is a generalized term for a chemical compound that contains an electrical potential, which is to say it is capable of transporting ions of energy. Electrolytes are conductors of electricity by the movement of ions. Basically, electrolytes are the spark that keeps our bodies running. They are absolutely essential for life. They are important because our cells (especially nerves, heart, and muscle) use them to maintain voltage across cell membranes and to carry electrical impulses (nerve impulses, muscle contractions) across to other cells. Without them the quality of performance pertaining to cellular metabolism is impaired. Especially during long-term or explosive short-term exercise, electrolytes are critical for water to maintain functional metabolism in the body. The fact is, however, that not all electrolytes are created equal. There is a significant difference between them and their effects on water metabolism.  This influence is greatly determined by each electrolyte’s bioelectrical potential. The point is that electrolytes provide the charges that allow cells to work. Electrolytes give cells the ability to perform all their functions more efficiently.