Do your energy levels need a kickstart? Have you considered if you are running low on electrolytes?
Electrolytes are minerals that carry an electrical charge. This conduction of electricity allows for information to be passed from cell to cell, relaying messages around the body.
The body’s form of energy currency is called adenosine triphosphate or ATP for short. Electrolytes do not directly contain ATP but they are essential co-factors needed for the production, usage, and recycling of ATP.
If you have been feeling tired and like you are running out of battery power, an electrical electrolyte kickstart may help you refuel and refresh your energy levels.
Aside from fatigue, other signs you may be low on electrolytes include muscle cramps, headaches, confusion, irritability, palpitations, dizziness, nausea, or poor sleep.
Having low electrolyte levels is common for women in midlife, this is especially the case if you have been experiencing heavy menstrual bleeds or excessive sweating from hot flushes or night sweats, as you are losing these precious minerals in your menstrual fluid and sweat.
The following minerals are considered to be in the electrolyte family: sodium, potassium, chloride, magnesium, calcium, phosphate, and bicarbonate.
Many people know of the link between adrenal dysfunction and fatigue, but have you considered the role of electrolytes especially sodium in the role of adrenal issues? Sodium plays a crucial role in the production and regulation of adrenal hormones. Hormones like cortisol, adrenaline, nor-adrenaline, and aldosterone. Without adequate sodium levels, these hormones rise, and with this comes the sensation of feeling stressed, frazzled, fatigued, unable to sleep, and the urges to urinate increase, promoting nighttime urination and even more poor sleep.
Some of the health complaints associated with low electrolytes are also linked with low levels of hydration, as 2 very important electrolytes sodium and potassium are needed to regulate how much water is kept in or pushed out of cells and this helps to maintain hydration and prevents fluid retention. Fluid balancing also plays a very important role in regulating blood pressure.
Our nerve cells use electrolytes to carry electrical impulses or messages around the body, without adequate levels our muscles can not contract or relax properly and cramps, twitches, or tingling can occur.
Electrolytes also play other essential functions in the body.
It’s important to know that electrolytes aren’t the only factor to consider if you are experiencing fatigue. In my upcoming workshop Midlife Fatigue, (Wednesday 24th May https://naturalmedicineweek.com.au/events/midlife-fatigue/) I will discuss many other options to consider.
The best way to discover if you could benefit from taking extra electrolytes is to try my 7-day electrolyte challenge. Grab yourself a “clean” electrolyte product, by clean I mean it’s sugar-free with no artificial colours, flavouring, or preservatives. Take one serving daily for a week, after the week is up assess how you are feeling. If you have more energy, better sleep, and fewer headaches, or leg cramps, this indicates you were low in electrolytes.
If you have been told to be on a potassium-sparing or low-salt diet, speak to your healthcare provider before trying the 7-day electrolyte challenge.
My personal Morning Ginger Lemon Electrolyte Drink
A glass of filtered water
A small knob of freshly grated ginger
1/2 freshly squeezed lemon
A dose of concentrated electrolytes
