Health BENEFITS of Chloride:
- works with sodium to maintain fluid balance
- supports proper digestion by producing hydrochloric acid
- essential for proper nerve functioning
- helps maintain proper blood pH levels
- important for muscle contraction
- supports healthy blood pressure and blood volume
- assists with nutrient absorption and transport
Foods HIGH in Chloride:
Things to KNOW About Chloride:
Chloride, along with the other five essential minerals (calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, and sodium), are also classified as electrolytes, chemicals that conduct electricity when mixed with water. The electricity generated by electrolytes helps with the communication between the cells and supports many bodily functions.
Electrolytes are responsible for maintaining water balance in the body by monitoring the balance of fluids inside the cells (intracellular) and outside the cells (extracellular). Maintaining fluid balance between these two environments is critically important for hydration, nutrient absorption, heart function, nerve impulses, muscle contractions, blood pressure, brain function, blood pH levels, and detoxification.
Staying hydrated and eating foods high in essential minerals will ensure that you maintain a healthy electrolyte balance. An electrolyte imbalance can cause a wide variety of symptoms, including dehydration, fatigue, muscle cramps, weakness, thirst, nausea, confusion, irregular heartbeat, or stomach pain. Consequently, it's important to replenish the electrolytes lost through extensive exercise or heavy sweating.
Chloride helps maintain proper digestion by producing hydrochloric acid, which helps break down proteins and kills bacteria in the stomach. Like sodium, most chloride is obtained through table salt (sodium chloride) in the diet.