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An electrolyte is a substance (usually a fluid) which has ions (electrically charged molecules or atoms) dissolved in it so that it can undergo electrolysis. An electrolyte may be a solution, a liquid compound or a solid.
Electrolytes in chemistry
Examples of electrolytes include acids and bases. The stronger the acid or base, the more electrolytic the substance will be. Salts are examples of strong electrolytes.
Electrolytes in physiology
Electrolyte drinks containing salts of sodium and potassium etc. are used to replenish the body's fluid and salts levels after dehydration caused by exercise, heat
stress, illness or drought. Giving water to a deydrated person is not the best way to restore fluid levels, because it dilutes
the salts inside the body's cells and interferes with their chemical functions. This can lead to 'water intoxication'. The
drinks also help to replace the salts lost by sweating.
Sports drinks are electrolyte drinks with added carbohydrate, such as
glucose, to provide energy. The drinks commonly sold to the public are isotonic
(containing as near as possible the blood's natural concentration of sugars), with hypotonic (with a low level of sugar) and
hypertonic (with a high level of carbohydrate) varieties available to athletes.
Electrolyte and sports drinks can be home-made by using the correct proportions of sugar, salt and water.
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