Electrolytes and fluids are present and required within the body, allowing your body to run smoothly. If you experience a deficiency, then you may experience various adverse side-effects, including dizziness, nausea, numbness, and even cardiac arrest. Therefore, maintaining an electrolyte balance is essential, not only for regular day-to-day activities, but for sporting performance, too.

This article will discuss the importance of electrolytes, including their role in sporting performance, whether running a marathon, lifting weights, or aiming for a long jump personal best.

What role do electrolytes play?

According to the Cleveland Health Clinic, these help regulate and control the balance of fluids throughout the body. The various minerals are responsible for multiple roles, including muscle contraction, the regulation of blood pressure, and even immune system function and response.

Where do you get electrolytes from?

Our bodies create some electrolytes. However, we also need to consume others through certain food and drink items. For example, foods rich in electrolytes and essential vitamins and minerals include bananas, potatoes, spinach, turkey, and avocados. Maintaining the optimal electrolyte and fluid balance ensures the best possible health and bodily function for day-to-day activities, e.g. reducing tiredness, fatigue, and maintaining regular blood pressure.

Alongside consuming these necessary vitamins and minerals from foods, you can also take various supplements. For example, many protein and carb shakes also contain essential electrolytes, taken to restore your body’s source to kickstart the recovery process, helping you feel better quicker, and ensuring your body is not depleted of these vitamins and minerals for too long.

The bottom line 

Often, many people neglect the importance of electrolytes and the role they play not only within sporting performance, but every daylife, too. Alongside monitoring your protein and calorie intake, you should also pay attention to the food and drink you consume.

If you think you may have an electrolyte balance or struggle to consume enough essential vitamins and minerals, you should take supplements to ensure a positive balance throughout the body.