One excellent reason to drink water is because it contains electrolytes, which are those components that contain free ions that conduct electricity. We need electrolytes in our bodies because we cannot function without them, and we get most of them by drinking water.
The human body needs electrolytes to regulate various functions such as blood pressure, blood pH, hydration, nerve function, and muscle function. The body self-regulates the requisite concentrations of electrolytes in various parts of the body.
Did you know that our muscles and neurons are also known as the electric tissues? They are so-called because they are activated by electrolyte activity between the fluid that can be found inside, outside or between cells (intracellular fluid) and the liquid found between the cells of the body that provides much of the liquid environment of the body (interstitial fluid).
The human body basically functions on electricity, and the electrolytes maintain the voltages that exist in our nerve cells and muscles and cell membranes in our hearts; they also carry electrical impulses to other cells.
If the electrolyte level in our blood gets too high or too low it can cause serious problems which can manifest in various ways:
- An irregular heartbeat
- Bone disorders
- Changes in blood pressure
- Confusion
- Convulsions
- Disorders of the nervous system
- General weakness
- Lethargy or fatigue
- Muscle spasms
- Numbness
- Seizures
- Twitching
It is therefore vital that we ensure that we drink water regularly throughout the day in order to remain well-hydrated and ensure that our levels of calcium, potassium, magnesium and sodium remain at the correct levels for good health and optimal performance.
When we sweat we do not only lose water but also lose electrolytes, which is why it is important to drink a sports drink after exercising for a long period of time such as running a marathon, so that the electrolytes can be replaced quickly.
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