What Household Products Are Considered Electrolytes?

Salt

Sodium and chloride are two of the primary electrolytes in the body and are needed for optimal bodily function. Too much or too little salt in the diet can lead to muscle cramps, dizziness or electrolyte disturbance. The body's interstitial fluid, or fluid that moves between organs, is almost completely made of sodium chloride mixed with water. When there are low amounts of sodium in the body, interstitial fluid goes right out of the body and the subsequent imbalance causes an electrical short circuit, which manifests as a muscle cramp. Maintain a healthy electrolyte balance with drinks that contain essential salts. In a pinch, simply drink a solution of table salt and water.

Baking soda is the common name for sodium bicarbonate, which can be combined with water to make an electrolyte solution that allows electrical conductivity between electrodes. The more baking soda you add to the water, the more conductive it becomes. Baking soda is preferred for use as an electrolyte in devices generating HHO (hydrogen, hydrogen, oxygen or Brown's gas), which are installed in automobiles to increase gas mileage because sodium bicarbonate is noncorrosive, nonacidic and generally leaves less debris in the solution than other electrolyte additives, such as table salt.

Known for its ability to promote bone, muscle and nerve health, magnesium can support healthy blood pressure levels and regulate energy production. Magnesium has been shown to reduce risk factors for metabolic syndrome, which can increase the chance of developing type-2 diabetes and heart disease. To function normally, many enzymes and enzymatic reactions in the body depend on a proper balance of the electrolyte magnesium. Dietary sources of magnesium that are often kept in the home include whole grain cereals, green leafy vegetables, legumes, soybeans, nuts, dried fruit, animal protein and seafood.

Potassium is a mineral salt that is essential for maintaining the balance of pH levels in our bodily fluids. It plays an important role in regulating our blood pressure, bone mass, nervous system, muscle function, and heart, kidney and adrenal functions. Low levels of potassium can cause potassium deficiency and bring on a whole host of health problems. Potassium-rich foods that are commonly found in the house include cantaloupe, bananas, oranges, apricots, avocado, strawberries, potatoes, tomatoes and cucumber.