DEFINITIONS

ATHLETIC TRAINER:   Athletic Trainers follow a vigorous educational program which consists of the study of Anatomy & Physiology, Pathophysiology, Pharmacology. Orthopedic Assessment Skills and Labs, Neurological Anatomy, Disease Processes, Functional Movement, Rehabilitation Exercise Treatments, Therapeutic Modalities and serve as interns in the clinical sports setting practicing their skills to become more proficient.
 
INDUSTRIAL ATHLETE:   Every industry can lay claim to its unique breed of athletes.  In the world of manufacturing, construction and logistics, these champions are known as "industrial athletes." They push their bodies to the limits each day, delivering exceptional performances in their respective industries.​​

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What are electrolytes?

Electrolytes come from minerals which we intake through our diet. They are found in blood, tissue, urine and other body fluids. Electrolytic balance plays a critical role in balancing body fluids to regulate your heart rhythm (skeletal muscle), and support nerve transmission and muscle function.

 

Most of the major minerals/electrolytes are found in our diet. However, dehydration, disease, certain medications, alcohol consumption, and illness can affect the electrolytic balance in the body.

 

• Sodium controls fluid levels and aids nerve and muscle function. This is frequently lost in perspiration, vomiting, or drinking too much free water (water without electrolytes). Free water tends to flush the sodium out of the body and can result in hyponatremia or low sodium.

• Chloride, found in many sodium products,  helps maintain healthy blood levels, blood pressure and body fluids.

• Potassium supports heart, nerve and muscle functions. It also moves nutrients into cells and waste products out of them while supporting your metabolism.

  • Sources:  potatoes, bananas, ​

• Calcium helps blood vessels contract and expand to stabilize blood pressure. It also secretes hormones and enzymes (proteins) that help the nervous system send messages.

• Magnesium works with calcium and aids nerve and muscle function. It also promotes the growth of healthy bones and teeth.

• Phosphate supports the skeletal system, as well as nerve and muscle function.

• Bicarbonate helps balance acids and basic alkaline compounds (bases) in blood (pH balance). Bicarbonate also helps move carbon dioxide (a waste product) through your bloodstream.

 

Hyponatremia is a condition that happens when you don’t have enough sodium in your blood. We often try to limit how much salt (sodium) is in the foods we eat, but it’s important to remember that our body needs a little bit. You need some sodium in your bloodstream to control how much water is in and around the cells in your body.  This can cause brain swelling and is life threatening.

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Hypokalemia pertains to low blood potassium levels. Your body needs potassium to function correctly. It gets potassium through the food you eat. Hypokalemia is often caused by an excessive loss of potassium in your digestive tract due to vomiting, diarrhea or laxative use. Other causes include certain medications and some adrenal and genetic conditions.  Hypokalemia will cause muscle spasm and in severe losses, erratic heart rhythms.  It can be life threatening.

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