1. Electrolytes: Potassium, Sodium, Chloride Student Created

2. What Are Electrolytes? They are ions in the body that can conduct electricity We need a balance of electrolytes in our bodies in order for our cells to survive These ions include sodium, potassium, and chloride

3. Sodium Sodium is an ion represented by the symbol Na+ It regulates the total amount of water in the body It also allows the transmission of brain and nervous signals because it is a good conductor Too much or too little can negatively affect your body

4. Negative Effects of Sodium Too much sodium can leech Calcium from the bones causing skeletal pain and weakness Too much can increase blood pressure levels which can increase the risk of stroke and cardiovascular disease Too much at one time can cause dehydration

5. Sodium: Essential in Small Amounts Helps maintain the right balance of fluid in the body Helps transmit nerve impulses Influences the contraction and relaxation of muscles

6. Potassium While sodium is found outside of cells; potassium is found on the inside Helps regulate cell membranes Helps conduct electricity in the body Crucial to cardiovascular function

7. Negative Effects of Potassium Too much in the blood is called: hyperkalemia Too little in the blood is called: hypokalemia Too much potassium can lead to stroke Too little potassium can cause osteoporosis Too little potassium can cause high blood pressure

8. Where to find Potassium Bananas have 422 mg Baked Potato (w/ skin) 926 mg ½ cup of raisins 598 mg 1 cup of raisin bran cereal 362 mg 6 oz. of orange juice 237 Fun Fact: If you eat 24 bananas in 24 hours, you will die of potassium overdose

9. Calcium Most abundant mineral in the body Mostly found in bones and teeth In an average diet, calcium is most likely to be deficient Regulates hormone secretion and aids with various enzymes Calcium is absorbed in small intestine and it is dependent on the presence of vitamin d in the body

10. Negative Effects of Calcium Too much calcium can cause kidney stones Excessive calcium content in the body is called hypercalcemia Hypercalcemia can result in reduced absorption of other essential minerals More that 2500 mg of calcium per day is unhealthy

11. Sources of Calcium 8 oz. of yogurt – 415 mg 8 oz. of non-fat milk – 302 mg ½ c. of chocolate pudding – 153 mg 3 oz. of salmon – 181 mg 6 oz. of orange juice – 240 mg 1 ½ oz. cheddar cheese – 306 mg