Sodium and potassium act as electrolytes in your body, and certain conditions can affect the normal balance of these electrolytes. For example, dehydration can cause hyponatremia, or low amounts of sodium in your bloodstream. An increase in the concentration of potassium in your urine is another symptom of dehydration.
Electrolytes
Your kidneys play a major role in regulating the amount of fluid in your tissues and balancing your electrolytes. Electrolytes are minerals that conduct energy inside your body. Factors that deplete the normal amount of fluid in your body also tend to upset your electrolyte balance. Excessive fluid loss can increase the amount of electrolytes in your urine, depleting your body of both sodium and potassium.
Sodium
Hyponatremia, the most common type of electrolyte imbalance, refers to a medical condition that involves reduced amounts of sodium in your blood. Vomiting, sweating and diarrhea are common causes of this disorder. Other factors that can increase your risk of hyponatremia include congestive heart failure, burns, kidney disease and liver cirrhosis. Fatigue, confusion, headache, nausea, muscle cramps and irritability are common signs of hyponatremia. Serious symptoms may include convulsions, hallucinations, decreased consciousness and possible coma.
Potassium
Potassium helps balance water and other electrolytes in your body, regulating the amount of fluid inside and outside your cells. This mineral helps support the health of your muscles and nerves. Potassium levels frequently change in response to changing sodium levels. Vomiting is one risk factor that can increase the amount of potassium in your urine. Other causes may include anorexia, bulimia, diabetic acidosis and acute tubular necrosis. A potassium urine test provides information regarding the amount of potassium excreted in your urine. The usual range for this is between 25 and 120 mEq/L, although the amount of potassium you eat can affect the results.
Precautions
Severe dehydration that disrupts your electrolyte balance can cause serious symptoms. Notify your doctor if you experience serious symptoms of dehydration such as irritability, confusion, sunken eyes, lack of sweating, rapid heartbeat or fever. Without proper treatment, hyponatremia may lead to brain herniation or death. Losing too much potassium can lead to low blood pressure and changes in heart rhythm. Consuming foods that contain potassium--such as potatoes, bananas, squash and orange juice--can help provide your body with adequate amounts of this important mineral.
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