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eStoreRx™
Online Supplement Dispensary
Easy direct-to-patient ordering & fulfilment for Lifelong Wellness, eStoreRx™ is offered as part of the WholePractice membership or as a stand-alone program.
Electrolytes are minerals that carry an electric charge and are found in our body’s cells and blood. They include sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphate, chloride, and bicarbonate and play vital roles in maintaining homeostasis. Electrolytes are vital for maintaining cellular hydration, especially during physical activities.
Electrolytes regulate nerve and muscle function, hydrate the body, balance blood pH and pressure, and help rebuild damaged tissue. At key mineral doses, they are needed for multiple metabolic and cardiovascular functions, including blood pressure regulation, myocardial metabolism and effective insulin action.
When we sweat, our bodies lose water and electrolytes and, without replenishing these, we may experience fatigue, muscle cramping, and, in severe cases, hyponatremia – a potentially life-threatening condition caused by low sodium levels. Sodium also helps maintain the balance of fluids in the body, essential to organ function, and plays a crucial role in nerve impulse transmission and muscle contraction. Because sodium is highlighted as vitally important, it has received a lot of attention and focus recently, particularly among manufacturers of electrolyte formulas.
The Optimal Sodium Balance
While electrolytes, particularly sodium, are vital to our health, it’s crucial to ensure we’re not consuming too much. The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends no more than 2,300 milligrams (mg) a day and an ideal limit of no more than 1,500 mg per day for most adults.
Excessive sodium intake is linked to high blood pressure, a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases like heart disease and stroke. As a matter of fact, according to the Center for Disease Control, nearly half of all Americans (47% or 116 million) have high blood pressure, so it is important to pay close attention to sodium intake. The average American already consumes 3,400 mg/day, almost 50% more than recommended. In light of these statistics, being aware of added sodium is key.
Balancing Sodium in Supplement Formulas
When it comes to electrolyte supplements, the same rules apply. While these supplements can be highly beneficial, it’s crucial to check the sodium content. The balance of sodium with other electrolytes should reflect dietary guidelines aligned with the recommended daily limit of 1,500-2,300 mg of sodium for adults, and not negate the overall health benefit of supplying the body with important electrolytes.
All electrolytes in the formula should also be balanced.
Dr. Arland Hill, Director of Clinical Education at Biotics Research notes, “Many formulas focus on sodium chloride, and minimize potassium, an electrolyte of equal importance. The overall lesson here is that with electrolyte supplementation, balance is key.”
Electrolytes, particularly sodium, are integral to our body’s proper function. While electrolyte supplementation can be beneficial for everyone, it’s vital to be mindful of the sodium content, added sugars and unnecessary ingredients.
“Calcium and magnesium balance are optimal as well,” says Dr. Hill. “Having 150 mg of magnesium paired with an equal amount of calcium promotes muscle contraction, not just skeletal, and more easily repletes often deficient magnesium.” Magnesium is considered the most underestimated electrolyte deficiency in the US (primarily because of insufficient dietary intake), its role in energy metabolism is critically important, and deficiency has been associated with impaired insulin signaling, low-grade inflammation (often due to overexertion), and both diabetes and metabolic syndrome. When choosing an electrolyte formulate, it’s important to ensure proper magnesium content.
With the right formula, optimal cellular replenishment can be achieved with no deleterious health effects.
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