Electrolytes are chemicals in the blood that help regulate bodily functions such as heartbeat, nerve reaction and muscle function. If levels of these electrolytes become significantly low, weakness, muscle spasms, convulsions, changes in blood pressure and nervous system disorders can occur, says Chemocare.com. An electrolyte imbalance might be caused by illness, medications or dehydration, but there are steps you can take to boost electrolyte levels if you are at risk for low levels. If you have a condition that might impact your electrolytes, talk with your doctor about your specific situation and what you can do to maintain your health.
Step 1
Talk with your doctor about getting your blood electrolyte levels checked, especially if you have an endocrine disorder, kidney disease, are taking chemotherapy drugs, or if you are on corticosteroids, diuretics or antibiotics for a prolonged period of time. Chemocare.com says these are all possible causes of an electrolyte imbalance. Once you know if your electrolyte levels are low, appropriate treatment can begin.
Step 2
Take a multivitamin that contains macrominerals such as calcium, chloride, magnesium, phosphate, potassium and sodium. These macrominerals are electrolytes that help maintain fluid levels in the body, explains the Merck Manual. Other minerals are also important, but the macrominerals are especially important electrolytes.
Step 3
Eat foods high in electrolytes. Good dietary sources include milk and dairy products, legumes, shellfish, whole grains, nuts, bananas, potatoes, meats and seafood. If you eat a varied and healthy diet, it should not be difficult for you to get all the electrolytes you need.
Step 4
Drink sports drinks containing electrolytes if you are exercising for an hour or longer, suggests the University of Illinois McKinley Health Center. Dehydration causes a drop in electrolytes, and in long-term exercise, this can be serious if these electrolytes are not replaced. A sports drink that contains carbohydrates and electrolytes helps replace the fluid and minerals lost through sweat.
Tips and Warnings
- Appropriate nutrition can help keep a steady amount of electrolytes in your body through vitamins and minerals. Individuals with conditions that can lead to malabsorption of nutrients, such as Crohn's disease or celiac disease, should talk with their doctors about helping to prevent problems with electrolytes.
- If you are dehydrated from prolonged diarrhea or illness, see your doctor immediately; you might need intravenous hydration and electrolyte replacement. Do not try and treat this by yourself.
