What Do Electrolytes Actually Do? [Science Video]

Sports drink commercials love talking about them, but what are electrolytes, why do we need them, and what happens if we don’t have enough? Electrolytes are salts that, once in our bodies, help our cells move water around. They also enable the nerve impulses that keep our hearts beating, our lungs breathing and our brains learning. But we can also lose them — for example, by sweating. Given all the ins and outs of electrolytes, should you reach for that bright orange sports drink after running around the block?

And for those that are wondering, if you’re not a marathon runner or practicing a sport that requires a MASSIVE amount of effort, sports drink aren’t all that good for you since they’re usually packed with sugar. Just one regular bottle will give you back all the calories you burned during a 30-minute exercise session, so be sure to think twice before opening that bottle of orange stuff the next time you go for a run.

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