Electrolytes, like sodium and potassium, and vital for fluid balance and hydration. When you start the ketogenic diet, you’re often told to increase salt consumption to avoid the keto flu (which is primarily caused by the loss of these key electrolytes).But, isn’t salt considered unhealthy? High sodium consumption is often linked to high blood pressure, water retention/bloating, and strain on vital organs. However, sodium is an electrolyte that your body needs in order to function, so why is it demonized? What’s the connection between sodium and potassium? What Is Sodium? What Is Its Function? When we think of sodium we tend to immediately think of salt. Table salt is composed of sodium and chloride ions and is an abundant source of dietary sodium.Sodium (Na+) is an electrolyte. An electrolyte is simply a term for an ion that conducts an electrical current. Sodium plays many roles in the body including muscle contraction, nerve impulses, and fluid balance. Sodium is present both intracellularly (inside the cell) and extracellularly (outside the cell). [1] [2]The most common source […]…