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Heat cramps are
a form of heat injury
Electrolytes are chemicals that make fluids electrically conductive. You probably heard the term in relation to your car battery. The mechanic replenishes the electrolyte, in this case battery acid, when it is too low. Without electrolyte you wouldn’t have an electric current – your engine wouldn’t start.
The body, too, requires electrolytes. Besides their conductive properties, body salts regulate the fluid levels in the body cells and control the function of the kidneys. The two major chemicals acting as electrolytes in the body fluids are sodium (table salt) and potassium.
Heat cramps treatment
After heavy sweating, replenish yourself with water and electrolytes. Half a teaspoon of salt dissolved in each litre of water is generally sufficient to top up the electrolyte levels. Sport drinks, or salty food together with water, are similarly effective. Rest in a cool place, out of the sun, to avoid a deterioration of the condition. See a doctor if you also have symptoms of heat exhaustion or heatstroke.
Sweating excessively without replacing the lost fluid results in dehydration and an electrolyte imbalance. As a consequence, painful cramps in the major muscles develop rapidly, but sometimes not until several hours after the event. Especially vulnerable are the hamstrings of your legs and the muscles of your arms and stomach. They become hard and painfully tense and often disable the affected person.
