Tag: pH levels
Electrolytes And How They Help With High Blood Sugars
Ever wonder why when we are severely dehydrated as diabetics or when we are dealing with an extreme high blood sugar our medical team tells us to make sure we replenish our electrolytes? I mean, what is an electrolyte anyway, what are the symptoms of low electrolytes and how can they help us as diabetics or if your just out mowing the lawn? Diabetic or not, they are extremely important when it comes to our overall health so lets take a closer look!
When dissolved in fluid, salts tend to break apart into their component ions, creating an electrically-conductive solution. For example, table salt (NaCl) dissolved in water dissociates into its component positive ion of sodium (Na+) and negative ion of chloride (Cl-). Any fluid that conducts electricity, such as this new saltwater solution, is known as an electrolyte solution: the salt ions of which it’s composed are then commonly referred to as electrolytes. So that leads us to the next question…
What Are Electrolytes?
There are several common electrolytes found in the body, each serving a specific and important role, but most are in some part responsible for maintaining the balance of fluids between the intracellular (inside the cell) and extracellular (outside the cell) environments. This balance is critically important for things like hydration, nerve impulses, muscle function, and pH levels.
With the correct body water balance, the electrolytes separate into positive and negative ions. When the body loses water or becomes dehydrated an electrolyte imbalance starts to occur. During heavy exercise, sodium and potassium electrolytes in particular are lost through sweating. To ensure constant electrolyte concentrations in the body, fluids must be regularly consumed.
To avoid an electrolyte imbalance which can cause lethargy and muscle twitching, athletes consume electrolyte solution drinks to make sure the electrolyte balance is maintained during and after exercise – this contributes to achieving optimum performance
You should drink frequently during strenuous physical activity. Thirst usually does not kick in until well after you have reached a state of dehydration, so consume plenty of fluid whether you feel like it or not. About 6 to 8 ounces every 15 minutes is sufficient. Help replace electrolytes by consuming a beverage that contains 0.7 milligrams of salt per quart of fluid. Consuming fruit slices, such as bananas, strawberries and oranges can help restore lost potassium, but obviously we still need to be careful here and a small bolus may be needed after exercise due to the sugar content in fruit.
7 Major Electrolytes & Their Function:
Let’s take a look:
- Sodium (Na+)
- Chloride (Cl-)
- Potassium (K+)
- Magnesium (Mg++)
- Calcium (Ca++)
- Phosphate (HPO4–)
- Bicarbonate (HCO3-)
So what do each of these to?
Sodium (NA+) is the major positive ion in fluid outside of cells (extracellular) and when combined with chloride the resulting substance is table salt. Some functions of sodium include the regulation of the total amount of water in the body and the transmission of sodium into and out of individual’s cells, which plays a role in critical body functions. Many processes in the body, especially in the brain, nervous system, and muscles require electrical signals for communication. The movement of sodium is critical in generation of these electrical signals. Too much or too little sodium can cause cells to malfunction and extremes in the blood sodium levels.
Potassium (K+) is the major positive ion found inside of cells. Some of the functions of K+ are the regulation of heartbeat and muscle function. The proper level of potassium is essential for normal cell function. Any seriously abnormal increase or decrease in K+ can profoundly affect the nervous system and increase change of irregular heartbeats.
Calcium (Ca++) is needed to build and maintain bones. It also plays a role in nerve impulse transmission and muscle contraction.
Magnesium (Mg++) is an essential mineral that is involved in more than 300 enzyme reactions in the body. Mg supports heart and nerve function. Mg is essential in the formation of bones and teeth and in converting blood sugar into energy.
Chloride (Cl-) is the major anion (negatively charged ion). CI- is found in the fluid outside of the cells and in the blood. The balance of chloride ion (CI-) is closely regulated by the body. Seawater has almost the same concentration of chloride ion as human body fluids. CI- plays a role in helping the body maintain a normal balance of fluids.
Health Benefits Of Alkalizing Foods For People With Diabetes
I will be the first to admit that I never really knew of all the associated benefits of alkalizing the body, especially when it comes to eating and fueling our bodies in the correct way. Well, that all changed about 4 years ago.
If you think about it, everything that we consume and the toxins that we are exposed to all contribute to high levels of acidity in the body. Alkalizing the body is actually a key step to promoting overall health. There are many health benefits associated with higher alkaline levels in the body. Over time, acidity builds up in the body creating an imbalance. If you think about it, everything that we consume and the toxins that we are exposed to all contribute to high levels of acidity in the body. This can cause a number of negative health conditions. Arthritis, high blood pressure, fatigue, and sleeplessness are just a few of the symptoms that result from a pH imbalance in the human body.
Alkalizing is important because the cells in our bodies need to maintain their natural alkaline balance in order to stay healthy. The pH levels in our bodies are changed by the food we eat, the stress we endure, and even the water we drink. Our health suffers as a result. Most people have high acid levels and do not even realize it. Research has shown that there are many benefits when alkalizing the body. Your blood pressure will stay at healthier levels, you will have more energy, and your bone and digestive systems will function better.
The Importance Of An Alkaline Diet:
A diet high in alkalizing foods also means that one has more energy to tackle the daily stresses and less disease in many respects. On an Alkaline Diet you might just find that some of the things that have ailed you disappears overnight. Symptoms like acid reflux, indigestion, IBS, allergies, hay fever, gout, arthritis, athletes foot, constipation and more can disappear literally overnight on this diet.
To get the best benefits out of alkalizing, there are things that you can do to get more alkaline into your body, and certain things that you should avoid.
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