Electrolytes maintain the electrochemical gradient across cell membranes (Na+/K+ ATPase pump), which is fundamental to: (1) nerve signal transmission (action potentials); (2) muscle contraction (calcium flux triggers actin-myosin cross-bridging); (3) fluid balance (sodium draws water via osmosis, the Starling forces); (4) pH regulation (bicarbonate buffer system). During exercise, sweat losses of 0.5-2.5L/hour deplete sodium (primary sweat electrolyte) and smaller amounts of potassium, magnesium, and calcium. Replacing water WITHOUT electrolytes dilutes blood sodium (hyponatremia), at <125 mmol/L, brain swelling (cerebral edema) can be fatal within hours.
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Not medical advice. Based on published clinical research and systematic reviews.