JULY (^) • 17
Contributing editor Vera Tweed has been researching and writing about supplements, holistic nutrition, fitness, and other aspects of healthy living since 1997. She is the author of
several books, including Hormone Harmony: How to Balance Insulin, Cortisol, Thyroid, Estrogen, Progesterone and Testosterone to Live Your Best Life.
electrolytes and carbohydrates for
the Gators, the University of Florida’s
football team. But few people have
the same nutritional requirements as
college football players, and there are
many supplements that contain little
or no sugar, no artifi cial additives, and
diff erent electrolyte combinations.
While blood tests can detect electro-
lyte imbalances and doctors can deter-
mine individual needs in the context of
medical treatment, no specifi c dosages
or combinations of electrolytes have
been determined by scientifi c studies or
medical consensus. Ultimately, the only
way to tell which electrolyte supple-
ment will work best for you is a matter
of trial and error.
Electrolytes come in liquids, powders,
gels, and eff ervescent tablets that are
mixed with water. Some contain only
a few electrolytes, while others include
more ingredients such as vitamin C and
other nutrients. In addition, coconut
Trace
Minerals
Research
,
Volts!
Electrolyte
Concen-
trate
American Health
Ester-C Effervescent
water is a naturally rich source of
potassium, with smaller amounts
of other electrolyte minerals.
Clues to Your Personal
Needs
The minerals that act as
electrolytes in your body are also
essential for other reasons, such as
calcium for healthy bones, potassium for
healthy blood pressure, and magnesium
for more than 300 enzyme reactions in
the human body. Their role as electro-
lytes is another reason why we need
them from our diets or supplements.
When the weather is heating up
or you’re planning extra exertion,
your normal levels of the electrolyte
minerals will infl uence whether you
need extra electrolyte supplements.
If you have an adequate supply before
facing a challenge from hot weather
or intense activity, your body is more
likely to maintain a balance.
ELECTROLYTE SNAPSHOT
Because they work together, some electrolyte functions overlap, as do some symptoms of a shortfall. When needed, an electrolyte formula can
provide a combination of these key minerals.
ELECTROLYTE Sodium Chloride Potassium Magnesium Calcium
WHAT IT DOES Helps maintain fluid
balance in the body
Affects blood
pressure
Is essential for
healthy muscle and
nerve function
Helps balance fluids
and electrolytes
Is needed for a
healthy balance of
acidity and alkalinity
Necessary for normal
heart rhythm
Necessary for
healthy blood
pressure
Helps balance
electrolytes
Used in transmission
of nerve impulses
Is needed for muscle
contraction
Necessary for
healthy function of
nerves and muscles
Necessary for normal
heart rhythm
Helps to regulate
blood glucose levels
Enhances immune
function
Necessary for normal
function of nerves
and muscles
SYMPTOMS OF
DEPLETION
Fatigue
Muscle cramps
Weakness
Dizziness
Headaches
Difficulty
concentrating
Loss of appetite
Irregular heartbeat Muscle cramps
Muscle weakness
Twitching
Heart palpitations
Confusion
Muscle cramping
Nausea
Confusion
Twitching
*Muscle spasms
product
PICKS
Ultima
Replenisher
Ultima
Replenisher
Electrolyte
Powder
Ultima
Replenisher
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