Electrolytes are minerals found in your bodily fluids that carry an electric charge. Examples of electrolytes include sodium, calcium, potassium, chlorine, magnesium and phosphate. A balanced diet delivers all the electrolytes required by the human body. However, sudden fluid loss may lead to an electrolyte imbalance. If you regularly experience an electrolyte imbalance or hydration does not relieve your symptoms, consult with your doctor.
Potential Causes
Common causes of an electrolyte imbalance are those that drain water from the system, such as excessive sweating, vigorous exercise, vomiting or diarrhea. Other causes include medications that induce dehydration, diseases of the liver or kidney, congestive heart failure, hypertension or diabetes. Drinking excessive quantities of water also can lead to the problem, as the massive intake effectively reduces the ratio of sodium or other electrolytes to body fluid. At the other end of the spectrum, drinking insufficient water or eating an imbalanced diet can deny your body access to necessary nutrients, including electrolytes.
Potential Consequences
An electrolyte imbalance may result in an array of additional complications, as electrolytes have an important role in maintaining healthy blood chemistry, controlling muscle activity, regulating nerve function and balancing acidity. An imbalance of electrolytes can inhibit the processes of vital organs, interfere with metabolism and disturb enzyme production.
Prevention
Keeping your body hydrated is the best means of maintaining a balanced electrolyte level. When engaging in intensive exercise or enduring extreme heat, replace the fluids lost to sweat by drinking plenty of water or sports drinks. Likewise, when experiencing diarrhea or vomiting, replenish your body's fluids. If you experience dramatic water loss, opt for sports drinks containing electrolytes instead of water. Water, alone, can actually aggravate an electrolyte imbalance. If you can consume solid food, choose foods containing sodium, potassium or calcium, common essential electrolytes.
Other Potential Remedies
If hydrating yourself after exercise doesn't clear up your symptoms, consult with your primary medical provider about possible underlying causes. Your doctor may identify heart, kidney or liver disease and prescribe corresponding medications. If you currently are on intravenous treatment, your medical providers may change the frequency or type of drugs. Inform your doctor of any medications you currently are taking, as they may be to blame for the dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. Track your exercise routine and daily fluid intake over a week so you can provide accurate information to your doctor.
References
- MedlinePlus: Fluid and Electrolyte Balance
- "Clinical and Experimental Hypertension"; Potassium, Magnesium, and Electrolyte Imbalance and Complications in Disease Management; W Weglicki, et al; January 2005
- Journal of the American Dietetic Association"; Water: Can the Endurance Athlete Get Too Much of a Good Thing?; SI Barr; November 1989
- The Merck Manual Home Health Handbook: Overview of Minerals
- MedlinePlus: Electrolytes
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