Do The Elderly Need Electrolytes?

Electrolytes are nutrients essential to the proper function of our nerves and muscles. Electrolytes include sodium, calcium, potassium and magnesium. The level of electrolytes in our body is directly related to our diet, level of hydration and kidney function. Elderly people, according to Medical News Today, are more susceptible to dehydration. As a person ages, kidney function also diminishes. Fluctuating levels of food and fluid intake also are factors. Low electrolyte levels in any person can lead to mobility issues and mental fogginess. There are a number of ways to ensure proper hydration and nutrition to keep electrolyte levels balanced.

Dehydration

Dehydration is a leading cause for the drop of electrolyte levels in the body. Dehydration can occur due to excessive sweating, vomiting or failure to intake proper amounts of water. A person can remain properly hydrated by drinking adequate amounts of water before, during and after strenuous activity. It also is important to try and keep fluid intake high during times of illness, especially when there is high fever or severe vomiting. Sports drinks are often a good source of electrolytes, but, according to the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports, drinking water or sports drinks during exercise is really a matter of preference. If strenuous activity is maintained for more than 90 minutes, a person may benefit from the added carbohydrates in a sports drink.

Diet

An elderly person can maintain proper electrolyte levels in the body by eating a well-balanced diet. Muscles need electrolytes such sodium, calcium and potassium to contract. Potassium, for example, is essential to maintain a healthy heart, kidneys, muscles, nerves and digestive system. The Department of Health and Human Services dietary guidelines for Americans notes that "Dietary sources of potassium are found in all food groups, notably in vegetables, fruits, and milk and milk products." Appendix 12 of the guidelines lists foods such as potatoes and bananas as good sources of potassium.

Additional Causes

There are a number of reasons, besides dehydration and improper nutrition, why an elderly person may have low electrolyte levels. These include kidney damage or failure, side effects from some drugs, herbal supplements or chemotherapy, hormonal imbalance or cancer. Diet.com lists a number of symptoms particular to low levels of individual electrolytes. Low levels of sodium, to take one example, may result in "nausea, vomiting, headache, tissue swelling, confusion, mental disorientation, hallucinations, muscle trembling, seizures and coma." It's important to watch for low electrolyte levels as this condition may indicate the presence of other health concerns.

Need

The Meals on Wheels Association of America reports that "11.4 percent of all seniors experienced some form of food insecurity. Of these, about 2.5 million were at risk of hunger and about 750,000 suffered from hunger due to financial constraints." Access to proper nutrition is a grave concern for many American elderly. It's important for family members, neighbors and friends to investigate to ensure their elderly loved ones or neighbors are receiving proper nutrition.