Minerals
Minerals in the body’s fluids help distribute the fluids in and outside of cells, thus ensuring the appropriate water balance and acid-base balance to support all life process.
Sodium
Sodium is important for the maintenance of the body’s fluid and electrolyte balance. It also helps maintain acid-base balance and is essential to nerve transmission and muscle contraction. Sodium is lost through sweat and should be replenished during exercise.
Potassium
Potassium also plays a major role in maintaining fluid and electrolyte balance. It assists in nerve impulse and transmission and muscle contractions. Fresh fruits and vegetables are the best potassium sources.
Chloride
Like sodium and potassium, chloride maintains normal fluid and electrolyte balance. It is also needed for a proper digestion. Chloride is abundant in foods as part of sodium chloride (table salt) and other salts.
Magnesium
Magnesium plays an important role in the soft tissues, where it helps building proteins and is necessary for energy metabolism. It works as a catalyst in ATP metabolism (energy metabolism).
Magnesium is also involved in muscle contraction (in cooperation with calcium).
The best magnesium sources are nuts, legumes, whole grains, chocolate, green vegetables.