An electrolyte in chemistry is any solution that can be used to conduct electricity. Electrolytes are commonly solutions of acids, bases, or salts dissolved in water to make up an ionic solution. An electrolyte solution that is common is table salt and water. These type of solutions conduct electricity because they give off ions as they dissolve in water. These ions are positively and negatively charged; therefore they conduct electricity due to the movement of the positive and negative ions.
Electrolytes are also important to the human body because they carry electrical impulses throughout our body to other cells. When we exercise and sweat, we lose electrolytes, especially sodium and potassium. We must replace these lost electrolytes to keep our body fluid levels constant. Otherwise we face dehydration, fatigue, muscle cramps or possibly seizures. Sports drinks contain electrolytes such as sodium chloride or potassium chloride which helps boosts these levels during strenuous exercise.