What are electrolytes? And how do they work?

Your body is full of electrolytes like sodium, potassium, and chloride, that help keep nerves, muscles and more running. But, how do they work and what happens if you run low?

[jerry-jerry]

I play football ( or soccer) and have invested in electrolyte powder for my games to hopefully give me an advantage, my games are 90 minutes of basically not stop running so have I spent well or wasted money