# Why Electrolytes Are Back in Trend

> Electrolytes: Why we're all taking them again and what they really do.
- Title: Why Electrolytes Are Back in Trend · Popsugar | Shortify
- Summary: Electrolytes: Why we're all taking them again and what they really do. Electrolytes are minerals that help balance fluids, nerves, and muscles; low levels…
- Keywords: electrolytes, sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, bicarbonate, chloride, phosphate, sports drinks, fluid balance, muscle cramps, fatigue
- Source: Popsugar — https://popsugar.com/nutrition/what-are-electrolytes-49386624
- Author: Korin Miller
- Published: 2024-08-16T14:15:02+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: electrolytes, sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, bicarbonate, chloride, phosphate, sports drinks, fluid balance, muscle cramps, fatigue
## What Are Electrolytes?
Electrolytes are minerals in your body that carry an electric charge, either positive or negative.

> Electrolytes in the body are essential for proper nerve and muscle function
## Key Electrolytes in Your Body
Bicarbonate, calcium, chloride, magnesium, phosphate, potassium, and sodium are essential minerals.

> This helps to maintain your body's pH and moves carbon dioxide through the bloodstream
## Electrolytes in Food
Electrolytes come naturally from fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds, and are also found in sports drinks.

> Electrolytes in food are natural sources of these minerals found in fruits, vegetables, and nuts
## Why Electrolytes Matter
They help balance fluids, regulate pH, keep bones strong, and support nerve and muscle function.

> They help our body regulate chemical reactions and play a role in fluid reactions
## Symptoms of Low Electrolytes
Muscle cramps, fatigue, dizziness, irregular heartbeat, headaches, and swelling can occur.

> Muscle cramps, fatigue, dizziness, irregular heartbeat, headaches, swelling, muscle and eye twitching, weakness
## Best Sources of Electrolytes
Watermelon helps with headaches, while salt provides a good balance of electrolytes for most people.

> If someone is having regular headaches, I'll recommend that they eat watermelon because they'll get electrolytes plus water
## When to Take Electrolytes
Sports drinks help replenish electrolytes after intense exercise, but a balanced diet usually suffices.

> It's totally reasonable to sip on a sports drink as needed after a particularly intense workout
## Key takeaway

Electrolytes are minerals that help balance fluids, nerves, and muscles; low levels cause cramps, fatigue, and irregular heartbeats.