 How important are electrolytes in maintaining the body balance of a vampire? Well, I'm sure there are many other factors, but I think a large piece of the puzzle might be solved in keeping your electrolyte system balanced. So how do we do that? Well, first, let's define electrolytes.  The six most important electrolytes for body health are:
That's all pretty technical, but it breaks down into a pretty simple form--all of these are essential to the body, and all of them help regulate electricity. Electricity is what helps our bodies run, helps our cells function and our brains think. And proper electrical conductivity is essential for living organisms. So, what happens when a real vampire isn't feeding properly? We feel 'run down'. We feel listless. We get depressed. Past this point, many of us develop physical symptoms, some of which--I'm nearly positive on this--can be traced back to improper electrolyte balance. I should point out, very few people on this planet suffer from a sodium imbalance, and all electrolytes are muscle salts, of one type or another. Also, if someone is on a decreased-salt diet, obviously this will be unhelpful to them. They'll have to find another way to maintain body balance. For the rest of us, while it won't decrease our need to feed, per se..maintaining proper electrolyte balance will keep us alive, relatively happy, and most importantly, replenish our pranic bodies (which I've already theorized are the reason for our vampirism--our sources of prana, or life energy--or electricity--are naturally low, therefore we need to get it from other sources--people, plants and blood). How do we do this? Well, if we don't already--some of us do this, have been doing this, for years and never knew it--we should all stock electrolyte-rich items in our homes. I'm not talking buying cases of grape Pedialyte and choking it down--first, that stuph is nasty, and secondly, there are easier ways to achieve electrolyte balance. Anything with a vinegar or brine base--good pickles, green olives, marinated vegetables--are very good at restoring electrolyte balance. Start snacking on them, or tossing them into salads or other foods. I've had green olives cold and hot, and they work either way. The same thing can be true of other pickled items--some people adore hot dill pickles, and most marinated vegetables can be served cold or hot. Some people will salt their drinks, just a little, and I'd recommend sea salt over table salt--more natural diversity, plus it tastes a little better. Start off small--half a teaspoon in eight ounces of water, tea or broth--and work your way up to a full teaspoon of sea salt for every eight ounces of water. Don't drink this every time you imbibe fluid--one or two glasses a day is more than enough, until your system's balanced--then drink one or two glasses per week. Less if you don't feel you need it. Others recommend electrolyte "cocktails"--eight ounces water or broth, a cup of tomato juice, a teaspoon of sea salt--and that's a lot of stirring and mixing, but if it works for you, go for it. Still others go simpler--I buy Powerade when I feel I'm getting sluggish, or eat salty potato chips or fries; my partner will pour some olive brine in a glass with water and drink that. Again, whatever works for you, to bring up that electrolyte level and put you back in balance. It's a good rule of thumb to note the taste of Gatorade, Powerade, or similar electrolyte-rich drinks, too--if your system needs it, they'll all taste like flavored water. I'm not kidding, that's how they taste. When your system stops needing it, it'll taste cloyingly sweet, nearly unbearably salty. If you hit that stage, stop eating salty foods, stop tossing marinated vegetables into food. This is very important. And keep in mind, this is just the latest theory in a lifelong exploration of Why We Are the Way We Are. This is just another piece of the puzzle. A few links to play with, and then later--with any luck--recipes! How Stuff Works: What are Electrolytes? Electrolytes and Chronic Pain Related conditions where electrolytes aren't balanced Go Ask Alice: Electrolytes and Health (warning: MASSIVE pop-up attack on this link!) Go back to the main page, or follow the link below. Sunshine Blues, dealing with the hazards of being sun-sensitive.  The amazing digital work of a virtual gardener. Seriously, she's that good. Go explore and be amazed at her interpretations of the real world, pixel by pixel.  
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