A crucial way of supporting your body’s natural processes when working on any job site is knowing how to replenish electrolytes.
First off, what are electrolytes?
According to Sqwincher, electrolytes are chemical elements that interact with your body’s cells to support the natural electrical impulses that make your neurons fire and your muscles move. Replenishing electrolytes is not only essential on the job, it’s actually quite easy – so keep reading.
Technically, electrolytes are a family of chemical elements. There are different types, each providing a unique charge, either positive or negative, to trigger a reaction in the body. Here are the main electrolytes in body fluid:
Symptoms of electrolyte imbalance
Have you ever had a long, hard day at work and your limbs seemed unusually weak? Chances are, you were experiencing an electrolyte imbalance.
When it comes to symptoms of electrolyte imbalance, sweat is a major factor. Sweating is your body’s way of cooling itself down, and according to Sqwincher, your sweat glands use electrolytes during this process. Water and electrolytes fill your sweat glands and get released as a salty mixture that allows the water to evaporate and cool you down. Not sweating means your body is at risk of overheating. With that being said, it’s worth noting that replenishing fluids is also important in cold temperatures.
Here are other symptoms of electrolyte imbalance:
- Twitching or muscle spasms
- Confusion
- Frequent urination
- Nausea, stomach pain or vomiting
- Extreme thirst
- Sudden moodiness or irritability
- Lethargy
If any crew members display the signs of electrolyte imbalance, it’s important to address the symptoms immediately and call for medical assistance if necessary. Keep reading to learn how to avoid an imbalance and replenish electrolytes.
How to replenish electrolytes
To avoid an electrolyte imbalance, it’s important to take regular breaks and hydrate with plenty of fluids throughout the day. Keep a water bottle with you at all times. Sports drinks, like those from Sqwincher (some of which are low in calories and sugar), are also a popular option for maintaining a healthy electrolyte balance.
Additionally, you can get electrolytes from food. A healthy diet full of fruits and vegetables is the best way to keep your levels where they should be.
NOTE: Some physical conditions can increase your chances of developing an electrolyte imbalance. The kidneys, for example, play a key role in monitoring electrolyte levels. If you have a kidney disease, it might affect how often you need to replenish and how quickly symptoms can set in. If you have a chronic condition, speak to your doctor about what steps you can take.
This blog post was drafted in partnership with Sqwincher.
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