Alexandra Nitsche, MD | What are electrolytes?

<<0>> Think of electrolytes like the body's

<<3>> fascinating messaging system.

<<6>> For our cells to talk to each other

<<10>> and exchange information properly,

<<13>> they need electrical impulses,

<<15>> and that's exactly what electrolytes provide.

<<19>> Without them, signals wouldn't get

<<22>> transmitted between cells.

<<24>> For example, when our brain tells a muscle to move,

<<28>> that message is only delivered

<<31>> because electrolytes are available

<<34>> to carry this important information.

<<37>> Electrolytes are various minerals like sodium, potassium,

<<42>> calcium, and magnesium.

<<44>> They are dissolved in fluids like blood and sweat,

<<48>> and carry an electrical charge.

<<50>> This charge helps maintain the right balance between cells,

<<54>> ensuring that muscles, nerves,

<<57>> and many other functions work smoothly.

<<60>> Without electrolytes, it would be

<<62>> as if our cells started speaking different languages,

<<66>> resulting in a communication chaos that makes it hard

<<70>> for essential processes to run effectively.