Keeping Your Electrolytes Balanced

As we have seen, electrolytes are elements like sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium that are essential for the healthy function or organs, nerves and muscles. We can get them in the foods that we eat and lose them through sweat and elimination. After being sick, many people have electrolyte imbalances. This can also happen from working out and sweating heavily. Since SD PERSONAL TRAINER emphasizes a healthy, heavy workout, how can you ensure that you have a proper electrolyte balance in your diet?

If you are concerned that you may not have a good balance in your electrolytes, you can start by asking your doctor to make an electrolyte test. This is a basic blood or urine test that will tell you if you have too much or too little of the important electrolytes like calcium, magnesium or potassium. You can often treat any deficiency with a daily supplement, but also making sure that you eat enough of the proper whole foods such as yogurt (calcium) or yams (potassium) can be the best way.

Most people do not get the recommended daily intake of potassium. Try logging your foods and checking their potassium richness as a double check. You can do this to check on any kind of potential electrolyte deficiency. Not only will this help restore any imbalances that you may have, but it will also fuel your energy for the day.

Calcium-rich foods like kale, broccoli and wild salmon, as well as low fat yogurt, will help maintain a healthy diet.

Magnesium is found in such foods as brown rice and avocado. These are easy additions to the diet and work with calcium to properly form bones and muscles.