Question: What are Electrolytes?

Jennifer Paxton answered on 15 Mar 2018:

Electrolytes are substances in the body that are important for chemical reactions in cells. The balance of electrolytes in your body is really important to keep things working properly. Electrolytes contain different chemicals in a state known as ions and they have a role in the transfer of nutrients into cells and also getting rid of waste products out of cells. These ions can be things like potassium, calcium or sodium. They also make sure that the cell does what it is supposed to e.g. a muscle cell can contract or a nerve cell can transmit an electrical signal. If the electrolyte balance is knocked out then it can cause things like seizures or muscle spasms so it is important that these are kept at normal levels!