Electrolyte Drinks, What are the Benefits for the Body

You must have seen advertisements for beverages containing electrolytes on the screen. In the ad, the manufacturer claims that drinks containing electrolytes can replace lost body fluids, for example due to fatigue after exercise. What is an electrolyte drink and what are the benefits for the body? Electrolytes are electrically charged minerals present in the human body. Electrolytes can be found in blood, sweat, urine, and other bodily fluids. Substances called electrolytes include sodium, potassium, chlorine, magnesium, calcium, and bicarbonate. Electrolytes have a very important role, such as:

• Ensuring nerves, muscles, heart, and brain work normally
• Dispose of metabolic waste from cells
• Bring nutrients to cells
• Maintaining the balance of acid / base (pH) of the body
• Control or balance the water content in the body

Electrolyte levels in the body need to be maintained in the normal range, so that these functions run normally. Changes in electrolyte levels can occur either because the body lacks fluids (dehydration), for example due to vomiting, diarrhea, or excessive sweating, or because the body is excess fluid.

Replace Body Fluids with Electrolyte Drinks

In general, enough water to replace fluids that have been lost from the body through sweating while exercising. But if you exercise for more than an hour, consuming electrolyte drinks is more beneficial in restoring water and electrolyte levels in the body. When there is a lack of electrolytes, drinks containing electrolytes are needed so that the levels in the body can return to normal, as well as restore energy. Some electrolyte drink products contain sodium, potassium, and carbohydrates needed for exercise. The electrolyte in the drink can replace the electrolyte that comes out of sweat, while the carbohydrate content will provide additional energy. Therefore, electrolyte drinks are needed when exercising, especially sports with heavy intensity. According to research, athletes who consume electrolyte drinks have higher stamina and are more agile than athletes who do not consume them. You can get various electrolyte drinks on the market. Electrolyte drinks that have been registered with BPOM RI are safe to consume while following the recommendations for use.

Making Home Electrolyte Drinks

In addition to electrolyte drinks that can be purchased freely, you can also consume homemade electrolyte drinks. Home-made electrolyte drinks or homemade oralit solution consists of 1 liter of water, 6 teaspoons of sugar, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Make sure the composition matches the dose. A little variation can make this drink ineffective, even have a negative impact on the body. In children, you should consult with your doctor before consuming homemade electrolyte drinks. If you are unsure about how to make it yourself, you can buy ORS sold in various pharmacies and follow the rules of use. Usually ORS are sold and packaged in the form of sachets, need to be mixed with a certain dose of water. We recommend that you consult a doctor if you want to consume electrolyte drinks when diarrhea. When you get diarrhea, especially if you are already dehydrated, your doctor will arrange the administration of electrolyte fluids at appropriate doses to replace lost body fluids and electrolytes.