By: Lauren M

What is an Electrolyte An electrolyte is a scientific term for “salts”. The term “electrolyte” means that an ion is electrically-charged and moves to either a negative (cathode) or positive (anode) electrode.

Your body works like a battery in the sense of you need to be charged every now and then (eat and drink) to stay alive and be healthy. Your body fluids – blood, plasma, fluids between cells – are similar to seawater and have a high concentration of sodium chloride (table salt).

Why Electrolytes are Important Electrolytes are important because they are what your cells (especially nerve, heart and muscle) use to maintain voltages across their cell membranes and carry electrical impulses across themselves and to other cells.

For example, when you exercise heavily, you loose electrolytes in your sweat. These electrolytes must be replaced to keep the concentrations of your body fluids constant.

How Else Electrolytes are Important for Our Body They conduct energy Regulate fluid balance Transport nutrients Support proper muscle function Support mental function Help convert calories into energy And much, much more

Why Many Sport Drinks Contain Electrolytes Sport drinks are usually used for when people are working out. Like this slide show explained earlier; when you work out, you loose electrolytes in your sweat. So, many sport drinks contain electrolytes in them. When you are sweating, you drink your sports drink and then ingest the electrolytes in the drink to make up for the electrolytes that you have lost.

PoweradeGatorade Propel Smart WaterVitamin Water Here are a few popular sport drinks that contain electrolytes in them.

Having Electrolytes in Your Drink is Beneficial for Your Body’s Health In conclusion, electrolytes in your drink is very beneficial for your body’s health for many, many reasons. If you are working out, and you don’t have electrolytes in your drink, you may not be able to regain the electrolytes that you have just lost as fast as you would have be able to if your sports drink have electrolytes already in it.