Gatorade made electrolytes a game-changer for athletes, but we now know that anyone in conditions that deplete sweat can benefit from electrolytes.
The job site is like its own workout. Manual laborers sweat it out while getting the job done, and electrolytes play a crucial role in keeping them safe and healthy.
So, what are electrolytes exactly? They’re essential minerals that conduct electricity when they’re mixed in water. Our bodies are mostly water, and pretty much every fluid and cell inside us contain electrolytes. These amazing little guys help our body’s electric currents flow smoothly. They keep the right fluid balance, help muscles contract, balance our pH levels, and even keep our nervous system happy. When we have too many electrolytes, our kidneys filter them out through urine. We also lose electrolytes through sweat, so when you’re working hard, you’re losing electrolytes too.
Now, let’s talk about the key players in maintaining normal electrolyte levels.
First up, we’ve got sodium – It’s the most abundant positive charge in our bodies, and it helps balance fluids and helps our cells get the nutrients they need.
Next, there’s magnesium. This positive charged ion helps turn nutrients into energy and is super important for our brain and muscles to do their thing.
Potassium is also a positive charged ion and it teams up with sodium to keep our hearts pumping strong.
Calcium is another positive charge player. It’s all about muscle control, helps our nerves get the message, and even keeps our heart rhythm just right.
Then we have chloride, the negative charge champ. It’s the second most abundant ion in our bodies and plays a big role in fluid balance and maintaining our pH levels.
Last but not least, we’ve got phosphate. Another negative charge hero, phosphate helps transport molecules outside our cells and gets our cells energized with the nutrients they need.
Now, let’s talk symptoms. If your electrolytes are imbalanced, you might experience
- Nausea
- vomiting
- muscle spasms
- confusion
- Fatigue
- weakness
- dizziness
- irregular heartbeat
- seizures
Not something you want to experience while working on a worksite with heavy machinery and dangerous tools, right?
We get electrolytes from our diet, but we lose them through sweat. The more we sweat, the more we need to replenish. When you’re on the job, it can be tempting to push through fatigue or ignore refilling your drink, but that’s dangerous. Those symptoms of electrolyte imbalance? They’re dangerous all on their own. And when you’re working in high places or around heavy machinery, that danger level goes up for you and everyone around you.
How can you make sure you’re getting enough electrolytes? Keep a water bottle filled with a top-notch electrolyte mixture by your side at all times.
PRO TIP: if you’re not sweating, it could be a bad sign. Sweating is how our bodies cool down, and electrolytes play a huge role in that process. If you’re dehydrated or low on electrolytes, your body won’t sweat, and that means it can’t cool itself down. So, even if you’re not sweating, make sure you’re drinking water and replenishing those electrolytes.
A well-rounded, healthy diet full of fruits and vegetables is the best way to maintain those electrolyte levels in the long run.
Lastly, our kidneys are responsible for monitoring and maintaining electrolyte balance. If you have any kidney issues, your needs may be different. Talk to your doctor about how to keep everything in check and functioning smoothly.
All in all, electrolytes are vital to keep our body’s balanced. Keeping yourself hydrated and replenished can make the difference when working in heat.
What is HEAT STRESS? Learn more here.
Read more about how to prevent heat stress on a worksite here and about acclimating to the heat here.
Are you a visual learner? Watch our expert-led webinar on Heat Stress on Worksites HERE.
Browse our heat stress products HERE.
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