>From Wikipedia:
An electrolyte is a substance that dissociates into free ions when dissolved (or molten), to produce an electrically conductive medium. Because they generally consist of ions in solution, electrolytes are also known as ionic solutions. They are sometimes referred to in abbreviated jargon as lytes.
Further, in Physiology:
In physiology, the primary ions of electrolytes are sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, chloride, phosphate, and bicarbonate.
All higher lifeforms require a subtle and complex electrolyte balance between the intracellular and extracellular milieu. In particular, the maintenance of precise osmotic gradients of electrolytes is important. Such gradients affect and regulate the hydration of the body, blood pH, and are critical for nerve and muscle function.
Electrolyte balance is maintained by oral intake of electrolyte-containing substances, and is regulated by hormones, generally with the kidneys flushing out excess levels. In humans, salt homeostasis is regulated by hormones such as antidiuretic hormone, aldosterone and parathyroid hormone. Serious electrolyte disturbances may lead to cardiac and neurological complications, and most are medical emergencies.
And finally, related to Nutrition:
Electrolyte drinks containing sodium and potassium salts are used to replenish the body's water and electrolyte levels after dehydration caused by exercise, diaphoresis, diarrhea, vomiting or starvation. Giving pure water to such a person is not the best way to restore fluid levels, because it dilutes the salts inside the body's cells and interferes with their chemical functions. This can lead to water intoxication.
Learn more about it at www.wikipedia.com.
jwt
-- Joe Tavares NOTICE: This email is only intended for the recipient and not legally binding. Unauthorized use, publication, reproduction or disclosure of the content of this email is not permitted without my expressed permission. -------------- Original message ---------------------- From: "Rich Wenneker" <philmont@wennekerusa.com> > > > _____ > > From: Mike Barnhill [mailto:mikebarnhill@tds.net] > Sent: Tuesday, February 14, 2006 5:16 PM > To: owner-philmont@troop47.com > Subject: Water question > > > Help Me. > > We always talk about the importance of water. A common term that I hear over > and over is the word "Electrolytes". I hear it used when describing the > benefits of straight water and how things like juices, flavored drinks etc > don't provide the "electrolytes" like regular water does. As a Scoutmaster I > have too used this terminology. We tend to parrot things that sound > important but we don't necessarily understand the terminology or the science > and meaning of them. > Any way, someone has finally popped the question that I have been wondering > all along. " What exactly are the "Electrolytes" and how are they > beneficial". Of course I didn't know the answer, and I said so. But I would > truly like to know. Our health care provider is an HMO so we don't > necessarily have a family doctor that I can ask about this. I would > appreciate input from any Medical Doctors on the list > What are electrolytes. What conditions are they found in? Do additives such > as flavoring, carbonation and sugars affect them? How do they affect our > bodies? If some are good, are more better? Are there products out there to > increase the electrolytes available in say, a bottle of your favorite drink? > We're about to fire up our 2007 council contingent. > ICWTGBTP > > Mike Barnhill
attached mail follows:
Help
Me…
We always talk about the importance
of water. A common term that I hear over and over is the word “Electrolytes”. I
hear it used when describing the benefits of straight water and how things like
juices, flavored drinks etc don’t provide the “electrolytes” like regular water
does. As a Scoutmaster I have too used this terminology. We tend to parrot
things that sound important but we don’t necessarily understand the terminology
or the science and meaning of them.
Any way, someone has finally popped
the question that I have been wondering all along. “
What exactly are the “Electrolytes” and how are they beneficial”. Of
course I didn’t know the answer, and I said so. But I would truly like to know.
Our health care provider is an HMO so we don’t necessarily have a family doctor
that I can ask about this. I would appreciate input from any Medical Doctors on
the list
What are electrolytes. What conditions are they found in? Do additives
such as flavoring, carbonation and sugars affect them? How do they affect our
bodies? If some are good, are more better? Are there
products out there to increase the electrolytes available in say, a bottle of
your favorite drink?
We’re about to fire up our 2007
council contingent.
ICWTGBTP
Mike
Barnhill
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Received on Tue Feb 14 22:44:09 2006
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