The more we sweat, the greater the chance of losing vital nutrients, known as electrolytes. These minerals are found in your blood and other bodily fluids in various forms, including acids, bases, and salts. They can be measured by laboratory studies of the blood serum.

Electrolytes carry an electrical charge, which allows them to conduct electrical current in water. This is an important benefit, as it enables electrolytes to regulate how and where the fluids are distributed throughout the body. In addition, this current can keep water from floating freely across cell membranes.

Electrolytes play a crucial role in our general health, as they are responsible for an important selection of health processes. These include providing and maintaining the body’s amounts of water, blood pH, and muscle action. Unfortunately, the more we exercise and sweat, the more electrolytes we lose, especially that of potassium and sodium. And this can, in turn, lead to the possible onset of heat-related illnesses and dehydration. Electrolyte replacement beverages are an excellent way to counter these health concerns. But before you quaff those sugary, salty electrolyte drinks, why not try a natural supplement? Here is a list of those nutrients shown to offer effective electrolyte supplement benefits:

• Sodium – found to play a major role in regulating water amounts throughout the body, this nutrient is considered to be the major mineral element in both the blood and other body fluids. Sodium transport throughout the body is considered vital for many bodily functions, such as electrical signals being transmitted in the brain and muscles. High sodium levels can occur as a result of dehydration, while low levels in the blood (known as hyponatremia) may lead to brain swelling. High and low sodium levels can lead to confusion, weakness, and possibly seizures.  The presence of sodium in fluids makes them easier to drink, while also increasing fluid retention, so fluids containing sodium are advised for strenuous exercise or activity in hot, humid conditions.
• Potassium – often working with sodium, this mineral is a major electrolyte within cells. The potassium/sodium combination may normalize heart rhythms and regulate the balance of the body’s waste. On its own, potassium may regulate heart contractions and preserve proper alkalinity (the level of acidity) of body fluids. This mineral may also promote skin health, send oxygen to the brain (leading to clearer thinking), eliminate poisonous body wastes (by stimulating the kidneys), and help to reduce high blood pressure. High potassium levels may lead to abnormal heart rhythms, while low levels are associated with muscle weakness and increased risk of dangerous, abnormal heartbeats.
• Chloride – this mineral, which is found in the blood and body fluids, is similar to sodium in that it maintains fluid balance. Excess chloride loss may cause the body’s acidity to increase. Increased chloride levels (known as hyperchloremia) may result in diarrhea, kidney conditions, and possibly overactive parathyroid glands. Decreased chloride levels (hypochloremia) may result in heavy sweating, vomiting, and adrenal gland and kidney disease. Inadequate chloride levels can also affect sodium levels.
• Magnesium – an essential mineral for every cell, this nutrient has been shown to contribute to more than 300 enzymatic reactions, including energy production and transport, B vitamin activation, cell formation, and the formation of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the body’s energy source. Magnesium may play a role in maintaining normal cardiovascular, nerve, bone, and cellular function, as well as promoting calming and healthy sleep patterns. This nutrient – especially when used in conjunction with the nutrient malic acid -- may have properties for proper muscle contraction and relaxation.
• Calcium – a vital nutrient for bone and teeth function and health, this mineral also provides cardiovascular benefits, including those for lowering blood pressure and blood cholesterol levels, regulating heart rhythms and assisting with blood clotting. Calcium may also ease insomnia, and assist in maintaining proper nerve and muscle function. Athletes’ diets may be deficient in calcium, so supplementation may be necessary. 
• Bicarbonate – this electrolyte measures the alkalinity (acidity level) of the body’s tissues, and is continually balanced by the kidneys and lungs. Bicarbonate has the responsibility of preventing too much or too little acidity in the blood and body fluids.
• Phosphorus – an essential mineral usually combined with oxygen as phosphate, it may play a vital role in utilizing carbohydrate, fats and proteins for biochemical reactions. These include the growth, maintenance, and the repair of cells, and energy production. As phosphorus, this nutrient may be required for kidney functioning, the transference of nerve impulses, and the enhancement of other nutrients. Phosphorus has also been found to serve as a building block for important substances, such as those used by the cell for energy and DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid). Phosphorus has been shown to work with calcium for bone and teeth strength and function. And, studies show that this nutrient may enhance athletic performance in aerobic exercise. 
• Sulfate – the electrolyte known as sulfate is the mineral sulfur combined with oxygen. Sulfur is required for various structural molecules and the formation of bones, teeth and collagen, an essential protein for most connective tissues, including cartilage, bone, and skin. In addition, sulfur forms bile acids, which are vital for the digestion and absorption of fats. As sulfur is a component of insulin, it is necessary for blood sugar regulation.

While they do not function as electrolytes, there are other minerals shown to have benefits for energy and physical activity. These include:

• Iodine – a trace mineral, this nutrient is vital, as it produces thyroid hormones and maintains the health and function of the thyroid gland. Iodine has also been found to regulate energy production, and to stimulate the rate of metabolism, which can burn up excess fat.
• Zinc -- a powerful antioxidant necessary for protein synthesis, wound healing, and the development of the reproductive organs. Zinc contributes to a variety of energy and physical activity-related health concerns as muscle contraction, blood stability, maintaining the alkaline (acidity) balance, and aids in the digestion and metabolism of phosphorus.
• Selenium – another major antioxidant, this nutrient protects cell membranes and prevents free radical generation. This mineral is a precursor of glutathione, which is itself an antioxidant. Selenium has also been shown to preserves tissue elasticity and slows down the aging and hardening of tissues through oxidation. Studies suggest that selenium may be effective for such health concerns as allergies, pancreatic and thyroid function, DNA repair, and detoxifying heavy metals. Higher levels may also help to eliminate carcinogens and toxins, while also enhancing immunity.
• Chromium – various studies, including one published in Clinical Nephrology, shows that certain forms of this mineral (specifically, in its picolinate and nicotinate forms) may reduce free radical production, making it an effective antioxidant. Additionally, chromium may hold benefits for cholesterol and blood sugar health and function. It may also be vital for metabolizing carbohydrates and fats, and as it cleans the arteries, it may assist in reducing cholesterol level and controlling the appetite.

Lifexpand has formulated their Lyte'N Go Chewable Electrolyte Tablets to serve as an effective electrolyte supplement for restoring depleted minerals and nutrients. Think of Lyte‘N Go as the perfect addition to bottled water for replacing vital electrolytes and minerals, and without the sugar or coloring. These tablets are convenient, refreshing, sugar-free and low in carbohydrates.