PEMF is an effective treatment for chronic pain and a variety of ailments. However, it is only a complementary component for a wellness regime focused on supporting the body’s natural electrical balance. That being said, it cannot be a complete and total solution. It is also vital to ensure that your hydration and nutrition are also supporting your balance electrically. For instance, believe it or not, one of the critical components to both nutrition and hydration is electrolytes.
What are Electrolytes?
They are positively and negatively charged ions such as phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, calcium, and sodium. However, when in their dry forms they do not produce any effects unless coming into contact with body fluids. In other words, these minerals combine with the fluids in the body to produce an effect. Most people think the primary role of an electrolyte is to carry a charge from point A to point B. In actuality, the role of electrolytes is to maintain a fluid balance. Electrolytes help to regulate and fluctuate the water in and out of a cell. As a result, this causes the electrical charge of the cell to happen at a faster or slower rate. Therefore, this constant exchange of positively and negatively charged ions and the transfer of energy is essentially what powers the body and creates electricity.
The Importance of Electrolytes
Above all, the amount of these minerals that we consume has a direct impact on the amount of fluid our cells are taking in. For instance, if one were to intake more phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, calcium, and sodium they would experience an influx of water into their system. On the other hand, a reduction in the presence of these electrolytes would result in an efflux in the fluids out of the cell. Above all, a reduction in essential electrolytes and life-giving water from the cells could throw them off balance. As a result muscle cramps and contractions can become more frequent as the cells are no longer able to send the correct signals to the brain.
More importantly, the heart is governed by these same signals. For instance, this means it is especially important to consider the influx or efflux of water to the cells as it could throw off the entire voltage of the body. Additionally, electrolytes are critical for balancing the voltage in the body. For example, if the heart is working harder than normal there must be a stronger signal to the other systems. Therefore, these stronger signals ensure that systems such as lungs and muscles can communicate effectively. Essentially the heart will let the other parts of the body know how hard it is working. This in turn will cause an increase or a decrease in electrical activity. The electrical system will then respond accordingly to assist in optimal function.
Minerals That Become Electrolytes
These are the most common electrolytes found in the body and their purpose. Read on to find out more about each.
- Phosphorus composes about 1% of your total body weight. Phosphates primarily work with the digestive system to help break down fats, carbs, and proteins. Similarly, it is also responsible for creating proteins in the body that help to provide energy that rebuilds and renews.
- Magnesium is considered by some to be the most important mineral found in the body and is the 4th most abundant. Studies have shown that 75% of adults do not consume the recommended daily amount and are severely lacking. Magnesium helps to assist in brain and muscle relaxation. Therefore, it is also heavily involved in blood pressure and blood sugar regulation.
- Potassium is the most commonly found charged ion within the cell. It has been shown to help with nerve signals, muscle contractions, and fluid balance. In addition, a high potassium diet is also thought to help with water retention and a reduction in blood pressure. Additionally, sodium and potassium communicate well with one another. When they attract each other, water enters the cell and when they repel each other water leaves the cell.
- Calcium is by far the most abundant mineral found within the body. It heavily contributes to bone formation, clotting, strength, contractile tissue, and just about anything that requires a bit of tension.
- Sodium is what is known as the most abundant cation. A cation is a positively charged ion that resides outside of the cell. Sodium is mostly responsible for nerve signaling, but also works as a conduit. Therefore, this means that it takes the energy from where it begins all the way to where it ends.
Foods High In Electrolytes
Phosphorus
Meats and Protein:
- Sardines
- Organ meat such as liver, liver sausage, liverwurst
- Bratwurst
- Summer Sausage
Milk and Dairy Products:
- Milk
- Yogurt
- Cheese
- Ice cream
- Eggnog
- Custard, pudding
Beans, Grains, Seeds, and Nuts:
- Navy, lima, pinto, kidney, lentils, soybeans, black-eyed peas, and hummus
- Peanut butter, pumpkin, sunflower, and sesame seeds
- Bran, bran products, and wheat germ (whole grain will have more phosphorus than white or refined grain products)
Magnesium
Vegetables:
- Spinach
- Broccoli
- Chard
- Artichoke
- Avocado
- Potato with skin
- Squash
Fruits:
- Prunes
- Kiwi
- Raisins
- Bananas
- Dried Apricots
- Watermelon
Fish:
- Pollack
- Halibut
- Crabmeat
- Tuna
- Bluefish
- Salmon
Seeds, Nuts, and Legumes:
- Almonds
- Cashews
- Peanuts
- Soy products
- Hummus
- Baked beans
- Pumpkin seeds
- Lentils
- Tahini (sesame paste)
Potassium
Vegetables:
- Artichoke
- Potato
- Brussels sprouts
- Spinach
- Pumpkin
- Legumes – lima/navy/pinto/kidney beans
Fruits:
- Cantaloupe
- Banana
- Apricots
- Dried fruits
- Grapes
- Honeydew melon
- Prune juice
- Tomato
- Peach
- Orange juice
- Grapefruit juice
In addition, meats, fish, poultry, peanuts, peanut butter, and eggs are moderate to high sources of potassium.
Calcium
Vegetables:
- Kale
- Soybeans
- Collard greens
- Broccoli Rabe
- Broccoli
- Bok Choy
Milk and Dairy Products:
- Milk
- Ice Cream
- Ricotta
- Yogurt
- Greek Yogurt
- Frozen Yogurt
- Mozzarella
- Cheddar
- Parmesan
- American Cheese
- Feta Cheese
- Cottage Cheese
