What exactly are electrolytes and why are they important?

I know Gatorade has them, and I know we need them...but what are they and what do they do?

Electrolytes are substances or compounds that dissociate when dissolved in water to form positively and negatively charged ions (cations and anions)

Electrolytes are simple inorganic salts of sodium, potassium, magnesium or complex organic molecules:

Sodium is the major cation of extra cellular fluid. Various intestinal secretions such as bile and pancreatic juice contain substantial amount of sodium.

Function
As the predominant ion of extra cellular fluid, sodium regulates the size of this compartment as well as plasma volume. It aids in the construction of nerve impulses and the control of muscle contraction

Absorption and Excretion
Sodium is readily absorbed from the intestine and carried to the kidneys, where it is filtered out and returned to the blood to maintain appropriate levels. The amount absorbed is proportional to intake. About 90% to 95% of normal body sodium loss is through the urine; the rest is lost in faeces and sweat. Normally, the quantity of sodium excreted daily is equal to the amount ingested.

Recommended Intake
Minimum 200 mg/day

Sources

The major source of sodium is sodium chloride, or common table salt, of which sodium constitutes 40%. Approximately 3 g of the daily salt intake occurs naturally in foods, 3 g is added during processing and 4 g is added by the individual. Protein foods generally contain more sodium than do vegetables and grains, whereas fruits contain little or none.

When a muscle is set into motion, there are small sparks within the muscle that start and sustain that process. Electrolytes are the fuel for the spark. Gatorade can give you these electrolytes.. but with sugar and food colorings added. If you want an all natural electrolyte drink, take a glass of water with two table spoons of lemon juice and two tablespoons of honey. It will be even better for you.

electrolytes are chemicals in your body that for the most part act as electrical conductors. this allows a positive charge and a negative charge to establish inside and out side a cell. the charge allows for an exchange of cellular material. the to major electrolytes are sodium and potassium. so although Gatorade is really focused on them a lot of other foods and drinks have plenty of electrolytes.

The human body is a complex system, which to operate at maximum efficiency requires everything to be within certain ranges. Among the components are those that are termed electrolytes which are substances which dissociate into ions. Biochemical reactions take place within cells and the metabolite's entry into a cell is governed by electrolytes.