Electrolytes are minerals that are essential for your body to function. The main electrolytes are sodium, potassium and chloride as well as magnesium, calcium, phosphate and bicarbonates.
Why are electrolytes important?
Electrolytes are essential for basic life functions. This includes maintaining fluid balance and helping muscles and nerves to work properly. Your body works to keep electrolytes in the correct ratios. If the level of electrolytes in your body becomes too high or too low, it can disrupt normal body functions. In severe cases, this can even lead to life-threatening complications.
What is a good source of electrolytes?
You get electrolytes from foods and fluids in your diet. The main types of electrolytes include:
potassium
sodium
chloride
magnesium
phosphate
bicarbonates
Good sources of electrolytes include the following.
Sodium and chloride are mostly found in your diet as salt (sodium chloride). Foods high in salt include bacon, olives, prawns, cheese, pickles and anchovies. They’re also found in some sauces, like soy sauce.
Foods that have potassium include bananas, apricots, spinach and potatoes.
Good sources of calcium include milk (and fortified milk alternatives), cheese, curly kale and bread made with fortified flour.
Phosphate is found in dairy foods, meats, fish, nuts and beans.
Good sources of magnesium include nuts, seeds, greens, whole grains, dry beans and dark chocolate
