Signs your body may be low on electrolytes

Electrolytes are minerals in your blood and body fluids that carry an electric charge. They help regulate your body's water balance and keep muscles functioning properly. Unfortunately, electrolyte imbalances can happen for many reasons, including poor hydration levels due to excessive sweating from exercise, diet and even certain medications (like diuretics that can naturally sap your bodily fluids).

Dehydration sets in when your body doesn’t have the proper amount of fluid to operate. However, it can lead to unpleasant symptoms like nausea, dizziness, headaches or fatigue. Even if you're otherwise healthy, dehydration can diminish electrolyte levels and leave you feeling sluggish. Every individual reacts and responds differently, but some tell-tale signs that you may be experiencing an electrolyte imbalance are relatively consistent.

ELECTROLYTE LEVELS PLAY A HUGE PART IN YOUR HEALTH

Electrolytes come from critical minerals such as sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium, which your body naturally craves. It's vital to consume a healthy amount of these minerals because they're essential to muscle function, brain function and hydration levels. Unfortunately, these mineral levels can drastically drop when you sweat or lose bodily fluids. This is because your body will try to regulate the decrease and steal these minerals from other areas within your body, leaving your overall electrolyte levels in a dangerous place.

DECREASED PERFORMANCE CAN BE THE FIRST SIGN

When electrolyte levels drop, it affects everything. At the moment, however, you may not even realise your levels have dropped since symptoms of low electrolytes can show up unexpectedly. In addition, a common side effect is a change in athletic performance, and you may only be aware once you're well into your activity. For example, if you notice your running times are slower than usual or have trouble finishing a race or a workout, that could signal an electrolyte imbalance.

You might also notice decreased strength during a training session—you just don't feel like working out as hard as usual. Suppose you're feeling particularly sluggish during a workout. This could be a sign that you are experiencing low electrolytes. Dehydration can also cause weakness, so if this is the case, drink plenty of water and monitor how you feel after drinking. Fatigue alone does not necessarily indicate that you need to supplement your electrolytes, but if symptoms such as muscle spasms and cramps follow, this is a strong indication.

HEADACHES ARE A COMMON OCCURRENCE WITH LOW ELECTROLYTES

A headache is one of the most common symptoms of low electrolyte levels. It can also be the first symptom to warn you that your body is craving electrolytes. Your headache is a signal to increase your intake of sodium, potassium, magnesium, and calcium. Headaches can also be caused by a vitamin deficiency in A, B6 and D but generally can flare up when you are dehydrated, drastically affecting your energy levels.

CRAMPS AND SPASMS ARE YOUR MUSCLE’S WAY OF WARNING YOU

Cramps are a significant sign of electrolyte degradation. If you're getting muscle spasms or cramps while exercising or doing simple stretches, they may be caused by low potassium or magnesium levels. When these essential electrolytes are depleted, your body craves these minerals, and your muscles may seize, giving you a charley horse. The best cure is to massage and stretch the muscles to "awaken them" and hydrate your muscles immediately with potassium and magnesium.

NAUSEA, VOMITING OR DIARRHOEA CAN DEHYDRATE YOUR BODY

If you feel sick to your stomach, it could be a sign that your electrolytes need a boost. Nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea can all lead to dehydration, robbing your body of essential fluids and electrolytes. This is why it is crucial to hydrate and increase fluids when you are sick. Due to the fluid leaving your body, your body needs to replenish what it has lost.

CONFUSION AND BRAIN FOG ARE SURE TO FOLLOW

Low electrolyte symptoms don't have to be physical pain in your body to alert you that something is off. If your electrolytes are low, confusion and disorientation are common symptoms that can leave you feeling drained. For example, simple tasks prove to be more difficult or even losing your train of thought can easily occur when you are experiencing an electrolyte imbalance. This could be your body telling you to replenish the minerals it currently lacks.

NUDGE TO THE RESCUE

Electrolytes can be off for many reasons, so consider Nudge hydration enhancer, powdered electrolytes to elevate your hydration, immunity & stamina. It enhances your fluid absorption and replenishes your electrolyte levels. It contains almost 30 times the electrolytes as water, making it especially effective at raising your levels. Moreover, it does so faster than most formulas on the market today. When your electrolytes are at healthy levels, your muscles and pH levels respond accordingly, and your body has the essentials it needs to perform at the top of its game.Powdered electrolytes are simply the  best hydration drinks available out there!