Benefits Of Electrolytes

Q: <strong>What are the main electrolytes needed by the body?</strong>

These are <a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hyponatremia/symptoms-causes/syc-20373711#:~:text=Sodium%20is%20an%20electrolyte%2C%20and,your%20body%20to%20become%20diluted." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sodium</a>, <a href="https://www.uofmhealth.org/health-library/hw202677#:~:text=Potassium%20is%20both%20an%20electrolyte,often%20change%20with%20sodium%20levels." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">potassium</a>, calcium, phosphate, magnesium, and chloride.

Electrolytes have mostly been associated with sports hydration and gastrointestinal ailments; however, recent studies have explored the benefits of electrolytes on skin health and their anti-aging properties. The benefits are astounding. It’s time to look at electrolytes in a new light!

When you think youthful, glowing skin; hydration, oral supplements like collagen, and a good skin routine typically come to mind. Our skin contains natural hydration substances including hyaluronic acid, glycosaminoglycan, and ceramides that each have different functions to keep the skin barrier intact and retain the skin’s natural moisture. It also helps to protect the skin from environmental damage. As we age and are exposed to the harsh environmental elements, these much-needed hydrating substances decrease which results in clinical signs of dryness, loss of skin elasticity, fine lines, and increased roughness in skin texture.

Mineral electrolytes have been shown to enhance the effectiveness of natural hydrating substances in the skin. They ensure that these substances get to where they are needed to maintain balanced levels of moisture. In turn, it allows skin moisture to be retained, the skin barrier to strengthen, and counteract environmental damage. The perfect combination for healthy skin.
Of course, electrolytes have many more benefits besides great-looking skin. You will look well, feel well, think well & stay well.

What are electrolytes?

Electrolytes are minerals found in your blood that help regulate and control the balance of fluids in the body. These minerals play a role in regulating blood pressure, muscle contraction and keep your system functioning properly.

Do electrolytes affect your weight?

Electrolytes do not make you gain or lose weight. If your electrolyte levels are out of balance, you can retain water causing you to feel bloated and can also cause swelling. When your electrolyte levels are balanced, this will not be the case, and you will feel and look great.

What’s the difference between minerals and electrolytes?

Electrolytes are a set of minerals (sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium & phosphorous) that when mixed with water (fluid) in the body create an electrical charge to enable optimal cell function. Other minerals like selenium and zinc are not electrolytes as they do not produce an electrical chemical reaction when mixed with water (fluid) in the body.

What are the main electrolytes needed by the body?

These are sodium, potassium, calcium, phosphate, magnesium, and chloride.

How electrolytes work
While many of us drink a large amount of water as a mechanism to hydrate our bodies (and by association our skin) we must remember how the body uses water to understand the most effective way to hydrate.
60% of our bodies are made up of water. When you drink water, nearly all is absorbed into the bloodstream from the small intestine. The water is used to regulate body temperature, carry nutrients and oxygen to cells, lubricate joints, and help dissolve essential minerals and nutrients making them accessible in the body. However, water by itself is not the magic ingredient. We need electrolytes (at optimal levels) to initiate an electric charge in the water to assist with chemical reactions in the body and balance the fluids inside and outside of our cells.
Electrolytes are minerals (potassium, magnesium, calcium, phosphorous, chloride, and sodium) that work together when mixed with water to conduct electricity in the body. This, in turn, energises cells to:

Regulate moisture levels in the body and cells.
Balance you PH levels.
Move nutrients into cells while excreting waste from the cells.
Ensure that your nervous system and muscles work optimally.

Electrolytes are CRITICAL to one’s health and must be balanced for your body to function properly.

What factors affect our electrolyte levels?
There are many factors that influence our electrolyte levels. Some are more aggressive than others. Common causes for an electrolyte imbalance include:

High intensity exercise for a duration of 1 hour or more.
Diet has a significant impact on our electrolyte levels. If you are on an intermittent fasting, keto, banting or similar eating regime, your electrolyte levels may quickly get out of sync.
Vitamin and mineral deficiencies could cause an imbalance. For example, if you have low levels of calcium (osteoperosis) or have a Vitamin D deficiency. Keep in mind that supplements for these deficiencies could also leave your electrolyte levels wanting.
Prolonged exposure to the sun on hot days put strain on electrolytes.
Medication such as diuretics, osteoporosis drugs, certain blood pressure medications, corticosteroids, and laxatives.
Excessive alcohol intake.
Chronic vomiting and diarrhoea.
Excessive water intake to the point where electrolytes are diluted. Or not drinking enough fluids.
The process of aging causes loss of water in the skin and we become more susceptible to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.

Do electrolytes help with dehydrated skin?

Drinking water alone is often not enough to hydrate your skin because if your electrolytes are not balanced, you will retain or lose the water you drink. Consequently, the water cannot do what it is supposed to. You may need to take an electrolyte supplement to balance these levels and then your water intake can provide that deep hydration that your skin needs to replenish and strengthen the skin’s barrier.

What are the benefits of electrolytes on the skin?

Electrolytes are not a magic potion for your skin, but they are an integral part of our body’s hydration system and play a role in regulating pH levels. Electrolytes are an integral part of our body’s hydration system and play a critical role in hydration and regulating pH levels. When mixed with water, electrolytes conduct electricity that causes cells to absorb moisture and nutrients, while excreting waste. The perfect recipe for healthy skin and body cells.

Signs of mild to moderate electrolyte imbalance and dehydration
Most of us know our bodies and what we consider “normal” on a day-to-day basis. However, if your “normal” is not optimal, it would be worthwhile exploring options that could make you feel great. If you experience any of the following symptoms, you may have an electrolyte imbalance.

Dry mouth and thirst.
Fatigue or low energy levels.
Frequent or infrequent urination.
Headaches.
Dry, inelastic skin.
Muscle twitching and/or cramps.
Swelling in hands and/or feet when exercising.
Nausea and/or vomiting.
Low blood pressure.

Overview of electrolytes

Sodium – The main electrolyte found in extracellular fluid and causes water to move into cells. Daily recommended intake 2300 mg.
Potassium – The main intracellular electrolyte and works with sodium to maintain water balance and acid-base. Potassium facilitates the aquaporins in the skin and ensures a balanced level of hydration. This mineral also helps organise the lipids which reinforce the skin’s protective barrier and works with calcium to regulate muscle and nerve activity. Daily recommended intake 4 700 mg.
Magnesium – Important for enzyme reactions. Magnesium works with potassium, further improving the skin’s hydration level and barrier. It also improves the skin’s natural shedding process and assists with energising skin cells. Daily recommended intake 400 mg.
Calcium – Helps to retain and preserve moisture in the skin’s uppermost layers. It influences the formation of the new cells and how they travel from the hypodermis to the epidermis. Calcium also regulates cell function, heart rate, and blood clotting. Daily recommended intake 1000 mg.
Phosphate – Helps build/repair bones and teeth, stores energy, contracts muscles, and enables nerve function. Daily recommended intake 700mg.

How does FLUID assist

FLUID is an electrolyte supplement scientifically formulated to hydrate your skin and body from the inside out. What makes FLUID unique is that it is completely sugar-free (using the natural sweetener-Stevia for taste) so if you are on a specific eating plan, you can take FLUID without compromising your goals. FLUID does not break a fast and contains only 5 kilojoules per serving. FLUID also contains a high dose of Vitamin C to ensure your immune system has all the support it needs AND Vitamin C has proven to benefit skin health in many ways. Try FLUID today!

Try FLUID today!