Keeping Your Muscles Ticking

Electrolytes are ionic substances necessary to our body for our muscles to work properly. They provide necessary electric charges to expand and contract muscle tissue. As you know, the heart is a muscle too, so we are not just talking about the muscles you use to exercise, but also the ones that keep you ticking. Our electrolyte levels can be affected by diet, stress, illness, medications and physical stress.

There are different types of ions that make up electrolytes – those that are positive and those that are negative.

Positive ones are potassium, sodium, calcium and magnesium. Negative ions are chloride, bicarbonate and phosphate.

There are some simple and not-so-simple signs that you could have an electrolyte imbalance.

1. High or low blood pressure
2. Fatigue
3. Immune deficiency
4. Poor circulation

While the elderly and ill are often plagued by electrolyte imbalances, it is not exclusive. Even some of the greatest, healthiest professional athletes have been known to have the same problem. Any daily physical activity will take a toll on your electrolytes.

As we mentioned, there are a number of prescription and over-the-counter drugs that can throw your electrolytes off kilter, such as antihistamines, tranquilzers, some antidepressants and diuretics.

It is important to keep one’s electrolyte balance in check because they can lead to other more serious health problems. Be sure to monitor your electrolyte balance with your doctor or through a food log if you have a stress disorder, heat-related illness, sweat excessively or too little or have poor circulation resulting in cold hands or feet. Also use caution if you have high or low blood pressure or a compromised immune system.

Even if you are in great health and engaged in regular physical activity, like your CROSSFIT 619 workouts, you should also keep your electrolyte balance in check!