Electrolytes are important for various body functions, including blood clotting, muscle contractions, regulating fluid balance in the plasma and entire body, and controlling nerve impulses.
Electrolytes refer to electrically charged minerals, including sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, bicarbonate, chloride, and phosphate. They are important for several body activities, including fluid balance in blood plasma and the entire body, nerve impulse transmission, creating hydration balance, blood clotting, and controlling muscle contractions. Although many people get enough electrolytes in their daily diets, dehydration, kidney failure, using laxatives, diabetes and other conditions, as well as some medications may compromise electrolyte balance, leading to serious health conditions. As such, taking foods rich in electrolytes is key to keeping the levels balanced. But which foods are these? Keep reading this write-up to know which foods will help you keep your electrolyte levels balanced.
i. Salt
Although salt is increasingly being labeled in a bad light, our bodies actually need some amounts of salt to keep sodium ions balanced. This does not mean that you have to oversalt your food; just salt it to taste. Besides, opt for natural sources as you avoid processed foods with high sodium concentrations, including fast foods. In addition, using sea salt in the right proportions to season your food will help keep sodium levels intact.
ii. Chia seeds
Chia seeds are among the popular superfoods, and they are a must-include in our list of foods that help boost electrolyte levels in the body. They are rich in electrolytes and absorb as much as 12 times their weight in water. As such, they make good hydrators. Besides, they are also versatile and can be consumed in a number of ways. For instance, why not soak them in your drinking water to make drinking gel, sprinkle them in your oatmeal, or just add them to your drinks and smoothies? Each of these methods helps you benefit from their electrolyte content.
iii. Tempeh and tofu
Tempeh and tofu are soybean products known for being rich in proteins. Besides, they also make good electrolyte sources, and you will definitely benefit from incorporating them into your diet. For instance, you can bake or fry tempeh and add so many electrolytes from sodium, magnesium, and potassium.
iv. Beans
Beans are good protein sources and electrical fruits, and for every good reason. From soybeans to lima beans, black beans, kidney beans to white beans, and many more… the list is endless. If you wash them thoroughly and cook them properly, you need not worry about their acidity. At the same time, you will be replenishing your electrolytes, helping the body get just what’s enough for it.
v. Watermelon
Watermelon is literally a water-rich food because more than 90% of its weight is water. As such, it makes such a good hydrating fruit, making it famous. Besides that, it will help replenish your electrolytes because it is rich in potassium. What’s more, it is versatile, and you can enjoy it in several ways. For instance, some people sprinkle some salt on top to enhance the natural flavor. You could also eat it solely, blend it with other fruits into a smoothie, or cut it into pieces and incorporate it into your fruit salad. Whichever way, you are sure to reap the electrolytes herein.
vi. Bananas
Bananas are incredibly sweet fruits, and this goes without a saying. Still, they are quite hydrating and add to the body’s electrolyte content. In fact, ripe bananas have been deeply researched and found to boost the body’s potassium ion count incredibly. This is also why many people now eat bananas before going out on workouts to keep them hydrated and maintain their electrolyte levels.
vii. Nuts and seeds
We best know nuts and seeds for proteins and omega fats. However, they also make good electrolyte sources, which is why you need to snack on them more often. For instance, you can balance almonds, cashews, hazelnuts, Brazil nuts, etc. Ensure that you keep the amounts low because some nuts are highly rich in the calorific count and could make you gain unnecessary weight.
viii. Oranges
Oranges are wonderful fruits, but many are shunning them away because the question about how many of these fruits should be taken daily has not been answered. Besides, oranges are acidic and thus not a good fit for people with ulcers. However, if you have no issues taking oranges, please go ahead to replenish your electrolytes. Imagine that by taking electrolytes, you add on to your calcium, magnesium, and potassium ions! Isn’t it worth it?
ix. Fresh smoothies
Almost all vegetables and fruits have one or more electrically charged minerals your boy direly needs. Why settle for less by focusing on one fruit or vegetable? Make the mix great by blending several fruits and vegetables into fresh smoothies. Besides, stick to fresh fruits and vegetables and do less or no sugar to keep your sugar levels low. In fact, most fruits are naturally sweetened, and you are sure to enjoy them even without adding more sugars.
x. Coconut water
Do you find blending juice or looking for fruits and vegetables tiring? Why not try coconut water as an easier but worthwhile alternative? It is not only tasty, but hydrating and quite rich in minerals. As if that’s not enough, you can prepare it at home or buy it from the food store.
xi. Organic green tea
We know organic tea as a good source of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents. Still, it is a good source of electrolytes, and it’s also quite hydrating. As if that’s not enough, it is also a good energy drink you should take when anticipating a strenuous mental activity. Ensure that you keep sugar levels low or do no sugar at all to take care of your sugar levels and weight at large.
xii. Bone broth and soups
Bone broth is also a good source of electrolytes. Besides, it is easy to prepare it, and all you need is to boil it. Additionally, bone broth is versatile since you can take it plainly or use it to make soups. Other soups, including pumpkin, chia, and vegetable soups, will also effectively replenish your electrolyte levels.
Conclusion
Electrolytes are minerals with electrolyte charges, negative or positive. The body needs them for many functions, including blood clotting, nerve signal transmission, and fluid plasma balance. Chia seeds, bone broth, soups, bananas, watermelon, organic green tea, and nuts are some of the many foods that will help boost electrolyte levels.
GP
The work of a family doctor includes a wide range of clinical diversity, which requires extensive knowledge and erudition from a specialist. However, I believe that the most important thing for a family doctor is to be human because the cooperation and understanding between the doctor and the patient are crucial in ensuring successful health care. On my days off, I love being in nature. Since childhood, I have been passionate about playing chess and tennis. Whenever I have time off, I enjoy traveling around the world.
