hyponatremia

Electrolytes That Will Help You Stay Hydrated & Perform Better

Electrolytes are minerals that help you stay hydrated, regulate nerve functioning, and influence muscle contraction and relaxation. Any electrolyte disturbance can potentially hinder athletic performance and may lead to muscle weakness, muscle twitching, dehydration, and cramping. Sodium and chloride (together they make table salt) are the major electrolytes lost through sweat followed by smaller amounts of potassium, calcium, and magnesium. Sodium is the primary electrolyte that needs replacing during exercise. In a healthy individual, blood potassium is well regulated. Also, …

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Why Athletes Should Shake the Salt Shaker (on their food)

Yesterday morning I was telling a young, inactive man how to lower his blood pressure. By afternoon I was pleading with a pro athlete to use the salt shaker. The response I received was expected, “but I thought salt was bad for me? Both of my parents have high blood pressure.” Ah, but do YOU have high blood pressure? If the answer is no (and I’d be shocked if it’s yes if you are an athlete, especially a young athlete), …

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