The importance of electrolytes

The Importance of electrolytes cannot be over emphasised. Like humans horses use sweating as the primary means to cool down. This is called evaporated cooling and accounts for 50% of heat loss in the horse. Lather seen in sweating horses is from a protein in the sweat that contributes to the evaporative efficiency. To help maximise this evaporative effect, resist the impulse to wipe off lather or sweat as this will make the horse hotter.

Water is not the only loss when your horse sweats. Minerals, referred to as electrolytes, are also lost. The majority of these minerals include sodium, chloride, potassium and small amounts of calcium and magnesium.
Sodium and chloride are important in maintaining acid base balance and conduction of electrical impulses in muscle and nerves. Calcium loss impacts muscle and nerve function.

Whilst most nutrients are stored in the body, water and electrolytes are only held in the gastrointestinal tract. Water and electrolytes must be replenished, preferably after they are lost during work periods or shortly afterwards.

Unlike humans, horse sweat contains much higher concentrations of sodium, chloride and potassium. Replenishing electrolytes and water are essential for optimal performance. Using well balanced replacement products such as Electro Dex or Apple-Dex and allowing access to water, prevent dehydration and negative effects on performance.

Electro Dex and Apple Dex are made by Horse health products the makers of leading iron supplement Red Cell.

Available from www.lesliesutcliffe.com Telephone : 01608 68 38 55

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