Your body requires a certain value of each of the electrolytes. Sometimes these amounts become imbalanced. This can be caused by drinking too much water or caused by certain disease. Sometimes the body cannot absorb certain electrolytes. At the same time, sometimes glandular problems lead to an increase in the electrolyte amounts. This can cause many symptoms and complications.
What Is Electrolyte?
Basically, an electrolyte is a chemical. These chemicals play important roles in the body especially when it comes to regulating important functions. Electrolytes will dissolve in water. When this occurs, electrolytes separate into two types of ions. This includes positively charged ions and negatively charged ions. After separation, these chemicals obtain the capability to conduct electricity. This is important for all organs and their functions. In addition, it is important on a cellular level.
Types
One electrolyte is calcium, an important for the growth of bones and the strength of teeth. Another electrolyte is choloride, which helps to maintain the balance of fluid between the outside of the cells and the inside of the cells. In addition, it helps to uphold blood volume. It also helps to regulate blood pressure and pH of all of the bodily fluids. Some other electrolytes include magnesium, sodium, potassium and bicarbonate.
Causes
One cause of an electrolyte imbalance is drinking an overabundance of water. This can cause electrolytes such as sodium to be too diluted. Sometimes electrolyte imbalances are hormonal, or when you have any kind of intestinal virus or even food poisoning. In general, vomiting, sweating, diarrhea and high fever can all cause electrolyte imbalances. Other reasons include malnutrition, poor eating habits, problems within the endocrine system, stomach disorders and kidney disease. In addition many medications will also cause electrolyte imbalances. Some examples include furosemide, which is a diuretic; cisplatin, which is a chemotherapy drug; and amphotericin B, which is an antibiotic. Other medications include estrogens, androgens and corticosteroids.
Examples
Hypercalcemia is an electrolyte imbalance where the calcium level rises too high. This imbalance can be caused by overactive parathyroid glands, cancer, certain medications, and also over usage of calcium or vitamin D supplements. This particular imbalance can cause your nerves as well as your brain to malfunction. Hypokalemia and hyperkalemia are potassium imbalances. In addition, sodium imbalance include hypernatremia and hyponatremia. There is also hyperchloremia and hypochloremia to name a few.
Memory Loss
Some electrolyte imbalances can lead to memory loss and confusion. These two symptoms typically go hand-in-hand when it comes to electrolyte imbalances. When a high levels of calcium in the blood occurs, otherwise known as hypercalcemia, confusion may also occur. Hyperchloridemia and hyochloremia may cause memory loss. In fact, every electrolyte imbalance causes confusion and memory loss. This is due to the fact that electrolytes play a part in most major functions, such as blood pressure.
