Everyone is aware they should be taking their vitamins, but do you realize the importance of electrolytes?

Bulimics are not the only ones who suffer from electrolyte deficiency. Anorexics also suffer from this deficiency.

Hear me.

You NEED electrolytes.

Electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, calcium, and chloride are essential for the body to function properly. Your cells need electrolytes to convert sugars and stored fats into ATP (which is the energy your body uses to do any work.) Being low on electrolytes is dangerous and can have fatal outcomes.

Your heart is the most compromised by electrolyte imbalances. What good is being skinny if your heart stops working? I guess you might look cute in a casket.

Don’t let it get to that point.

Deficiencies and their symptoms:

Potassium: weakness, fatigue, muscle cramps/spasms, heart palpitations, tingling/numbness, breathing difficulties, mood changes, digestive issues

Sodium: nausea/vomiting, headache, confusion, fatigue, restlessness, irritability, muscle weakness, seizures, coma

Calcium: confusion, memory loss, muscle spasms, depression, hallucinations, numbness/tingling, weak/brittle nails, easy fracturing of bones

Chloride: fatigue, weakness, breathing problems, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive thirst,

Magnesium: muscle cramps/spasms, apathy/depression, increased risk of bone fractures, fatigue/weakness, heart palpitations, dizziness, nausea/vomiting, numbness, irritability, anxiety

Bicarbonate: confusion, headache, loss of consciousness, shortness of breath, coughing, heart palpitations, seizures, weakness, digestive problems, numbness, tremors, twitching, prolonged spasms

Phosphate: fatigue, anxiety, irregular breathing, irritability, numbness, weakness, joint stiffness

If you have a lot of these symptoms you need to find a way to restore your electrolytes immediately! Eat foods high in these electrolytes or take supplements specifically loaded with electrolytes. Your body needs them to function no matter your calorie limits!!!!

Foods high in:

Potassium: avocado, acorn squash, spinach, sweet potatoes, salmon, apricots, grapefruit, broccoli, white beans, BANANAS

Sodium: beets, celery, carrots, meat, spinach, chard, SALT

Calcium: yogurt, cheese, eggs, kale, collar greens, broccoli, spinach, kelp, okra, sardines, soybeans, white beans, kefir, orange juice, chia seeds, flax seeds, quinoa, MILK

Chloride: seaweed, rye, tomatoes, lettuce, celery, olives, SALT

Magnesium: cashews, sesame seeds, Swiss chard, spinach, pumpkin seeds, almonds, soybeans, whole wheat, DARK CHOCOLATE

Bicarbonate: baked goods (yea I know), baking soda, fruits, vegetables (bicarbonates are usually found as compounds like potassium-bicarbonate and are also a result of metabolic processes)

Phosphate: meats, dairy, nuts, whole grains, beans, lentils, soy

BE SAFE.

GET YOUR ELECTROLYTES.

Eat your fruits and vegetables.