Electrolytes: Ways to Add Them to Your Fitness and Wellness Routine
Electrolytes are important minerals that carry an electric charge. They’re involved in metabolic processes to maintain proper muscle function, the transmission of nerve impulses, hormone secretion, and blood clotting — to name a few.
These electrolytes include sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, phosphate, and bicarbonate.
As a pro cheerleading athlete, it’s important to get the right amounts in your diet so that you can thrive and function optimally. In this article, we’re going to discuss what causes an electrolyte imbalance in connection with your active lifestyle, symptoms of an imbalance, and tips to replenish them.
What Causes an Electrolyte Imbalance?
It’s no secret that we maintain a lifestyle of fitness. From your daily workouts to team practices, all of these things can take a toll on your body if you don’t replace the fluids you lose through sweat. In other words, not hydrating properly can lower your electrolyte concentration.
Furthermore, not eating a nutrient-dense diet containing these important minerals can put you at risk of a deficiency.
Common symptoms of an electrolyte imbalance include muscle cramps, feeling dizzy, tiredness, an irregular heartbeat, changes in your blood pressure, numbness, and confusion. The good news is that you don’t have to experience such problems with a few helpful strategies. Keep reading below.
1. Eat a diet that’s rich in whole foods.
Whole foods keep their natural state and are therefore full of vitamins and minerals. Try to research which foods contain more electrolytes. For a start, make sure you include options like almonds, watermelons, broccoli, avocados, eggs, chicken, fish, and olives.
Related: How to Make Your Meals More Nutrient-Dense
2. Drink electrolyte beverages.
A quick way to replenish lost electrolytes, especially after a sweat session, is to drink an electrolyte beverage. Not only will this replace electrolytes, but it can also provide your body with enough carbohydrates and fill up your glycogen stores, so you can power through the day. Just be careful to avoid sports drinks that contain a lot of added sugars.
3. Get creative in the kitchen — try a homemade electrolyte drink!
Sports beverages are convenient, but you can also experiment with more natural homemade versions if you’re feeling adventurous. For example, you can combine grated ginger, lemon, Himalayan pink salt, honey, and water. Add ice cubes for a refreshing drink!
Discover more: 5 Homemade Electrolyte Drinks to Add to Your Pro Cheer Lifestyle
4. Exercise safely in hot weather.
Don’t allow the heat outside to leave you exhausted and depleted of electrolytes. Make sure to drink plenty of water before going out. Also, bring a bottle of water with you. More importantly, if you have a choice, do your workout early in the morning (before sunrise) or at sunset. Another important tip when going out in the sun is to wear light-colored and lightweight clothing! This will help keep you cool.
Final Thoughts
Avoid electrolyte imbalances in your pro cheer career by following the strategies above. Start by prioritizing your hydration status and support your health with a nutritious, mineral-rich diet.
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