What in the World are Electrolytes?

Most have likely heard of the term electrolytes to some extent whether it be in the context of an athlete needing to replenish their electrolytes so they take a sip of Gatorade or a high school chemistry teacher talking about batteries. From discussions about health to chemical reactions the word electrolytes is thrown around a lot but what exactly are they and what role do they play? This book addresses the topic of electrolytes through a primary focus on their implications in human health and sports drinks.