Open AccessThe Ergogenics of Fluid and Electrolyte Balance
Author(s) -
Robert G. Hosey,
James L. Glazer
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
current sports medicine reports
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.424
H-Index - 51
eISSN - 1537-8918
pISSN - 1537-890X
DOI - 10.1249/00149619-200408000-00008
Subject(s) - electrolyte , balance (ability) , medicine , athletes , body fluid , fluid replacement , electrolyte imbalance , water electrolyte balance , physical therapy , chemistry , sodium , organic chemistry , electrode
Fluid and electrolyte balance within a fairly narrow range is a requirement for human life. Athletes, particularly endurance athletes, routinely stress their bodies to the point of altering fluid and electrolyte levels. In some cases, significant fluctuations can lead to deterioration in performance and even the athlete's health. The body's physiologic response to such fluctuations of fluid and electrolyte levels is complex and not completely understood. This article examines how the body copes with changes in fluid and electrolyte balance and how these changes may be minimized via replacement to sustain athletic performance.