Gatorade Electrolytes
When talking about fluid balance, one’s body required for proper functioning, the salt minerals called electrolytes are essential. Excessive sweating and dehydration cause electrolyte imbalance which can further have serious health consequences. The list of Gatorade electrolytes includes 3 elements (sodium, potassium, chloride) important for keeping fluid balance.
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Sodium
It is one of the major Gatorade electrolytes. Most sports drinks contain only sodium and it is usually quite enough to restore liquid balance after rehydration. This positively charged electrolyte is found primarily on the outside of cells. Aside of regulating fluid balance, Sodium plays many other roles in our body. It is also takes part in electrical conductions of our nervous system. As a part of sports drinks, it stimulates water and sugar uptake in the small intestines to keep individual hydrated. Low sodium lever causes vomiting and nausea, fatigue and weakness, confusion and, sometimes, loss of consciousness.
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Potassium
It is a vital electrolyte and mineral needed for different bodily functions. Instead of sodium this positively charged electrolyte is found on the inside of cells. The amount of potassium shouldn’t be too high or low. The cells will function properly only with adequate amount of potassium. This electrolyte is important for muscle contraction and heartbeat regulation. Low potassium level is called hypokalemia and followed by vomiting, diarrhea and excessive sweating. It can also cause fatigue and weakness, muscle cramps and heartbeat irregularities. Potassium containing sports drinks like Gatorade are the effective measures to fight hypokalemia.
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Chloride
This negatively charged electrolyte is found on the outside of cells. Separately this element has little to do but combining with sodium, potassium and water, it becomes essential for regulating fluid balance in the organism. It also helps control base and acid balances in the digestive system. Low chloride causes high level of sodium in our blood and dehydration.