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What is an Electrolyte Imbalance and How Can You Prevent It? Medically reviewed by Natalie Olsen, R. Electrolytes Imbalance Prevention Symptoms Call Treatment. How we vet brands and products Healthline only shows you brands and products that we stand behind.

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Share this article. Read this next. All About Electrolyte Imbalance Electrolytes are naturally occurring minerals that control important bodily functions. Here's what you need to know about electrolyte imbalance, its… READ MORE.

Thirst Quencher: Homemade Electrolyte Drink. Geological Survey USGS Water School. As we age, that number drops. The water in your body contains vital compounds, including different types of cells, proteins, and electrolytes.

Electrolytes are minerals that take on an electric charge—either positive or negative—when you ingest them. This allows them to conduct electricity and relay electrical signals throughout your body.

These signals are crucial to many of the bodily functions that keep you alive. We take in electrolytes from the foods we eat and liquids we drink.

Electrolytes have a number of vital roles to carry out inside the human body; for instance, they help to:.

Each electrolyte contributes in its own specific way. Here are seven of the most important electrolytes as well as their main roles.

We need to ingest a minimum of milligrams daily, according to the American Heart Association AHA. Sodium helps maintain the ideal balance of water in and around your cells, stable blood pressure levels, and proper nerve and muscle functions.

Having too little sodium in your blood is called hyponatremia. Most Americans, however, consume far more sodium than they need.

The — Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends limiting sodium consumption to under 2, milligrams per day, yet the average daily sodium intake for an adult living in the United States is over 3, milligrams.

Table salt is made up of sodium and chloride. Other dietary sources of chloride include seaweed, rye, tomatoes, lettuce, celery, and olives. This mineral is a key ingredient in several bodily fluids.

Research shows that chloride has a significant impact on your blood pressure levels as well. Eating a diet rich in potassium has been linked to a wealth of health benefits. Studies show it can lower cardiovascular risk factors , improve bone health , prevent water retention , and stop you from developing kidney stones.

Foods high in potassium include bananas , oranges, sweet potatoes, zucchini, and cooked spinach. This mineral contributes to over separate functions in the human body. We need magnesium for the production of DNA and RNA, proper nerve and muscle function, steady heart rhythm, balanced blood sugar levels, and strong immune system function.

Low levels of magnesium have been linked to health problems ranging from anxiety to osteoporosis to tooth decay. Calcium is the most abundant mineral in your body. Consuming enough calcium ensures that our bones and teeth remain strong, communication between our brains and other parts of our bodies are transmitted smoothly, and our blood clots appropriately.

Milk, broccoli , and tofu are all foods rich in calcium. Phosphate is generated when the mineral phosphorus combines with oxygen. Eating foods like beans, nuts, eggs, and fish spurs the production of phosphate.

Our bodies use phosphate to strengthen our bones and teeth as well as to help our cells produce the energy they need for tissue growth and repair.

It is possible to overconsume phosphorus, especially in the form of food additives. Getting an appropriate amount of phosphorous from whole, natural foods is best. Bicarbonate has a number of important functions, namely, maintaining a healthy pH balance and heart function.

Bicarbonate also acts as a buffer to prevent the accumulation of lactic acid in your muscles, which can lead to less soreness and quicker recovery times after intense workouts. Electrolytes help to keep fluid levels inside and outside your cells balanced. Having an electrolyte imbalance, due either to too many or too few minerals, can cause serious problems.

The underlying cause of an electrolyte balance will affect what symptoms appear. Some common symptoms, however, are nausea, fatigue, and fluid retention.

While numerous factors can lead to an imbalance, they all have to do with the amount of water in your body changing.

Part of correcting the imbalance is to identify and treat the underlying cause.

The good news: Most of the time, healthy people don't have to worry about electrolytes. The key to preventing health-threatening imbalances is to be aware of these instances when electrolytes are more likely to become depleted or build up.

And, if need be, get advice from your doctor or another health care provider on how to maintain or restore the balance. While some situations, such as health conditions, are beyond your control, Braun says there are steps you can take to avoid severe electrolyte spikes or dips:.

Although sodium is a vital electrolyte, your body doesn't need a lot — just 1 teaspoon daily. Too much salt can contribute to high blood pressure and other health problems.

Try these salt-saving tips:. You may feel like you hear this too often. But it's good advice. Don't wait until you become dehydrated to drink fluids; keep a water bottle with you and drink small amounts throughout the day. That's why Braun recommends replacing 8 ounces of your daily water with a sugar-free or low-sugar sports drink e.

When you're vomiting, have diarrhea or are feverish, you rapidly lose fluids and electrolytes, Braun cautions. Children and seniors, especially, can get severely dehydrated very fast. Oral rehydration solutions like Pedialyte — which contain the right mix of salt, sugar, potassium and other minerals — are a good way to replenish those vital fluids.

Essential Electrolytes. Most often linked to sports drinks, electrolytes are vital for good health. Home RUSH Stories Essential Electrolytes. Heart Health. Share to Facebook Share to Twitter Share to LinkedIn Share via Email.

By Judy Germany. The essence of electrolytes You're probably familiar with most or all of the electrolytes, even if you didn't necessarily know they were electrolytes: Bicarbonate Calcium Chloride Magnesium Phosphate Potassium Sodium These electrically-charged minerals help regulate everything from hydration the amount of water in your body , to your nervous system to muscle function — including the most important muscle of all: the heart.

Electrolytes are obtained in the diet through various foods. Most water is not chemically pure and contains trace levels of electrolytes.

Electrolytes are involved in practically everything your body does. They are present in blood plasma and inside cells, where they help to stabilize cell membranes. Electrolytes also maintain protein structure and fluid balance.

Electrolytes play a role in chemical reactions in the body, and they help transport substances into and out of cells. Some bodily processes that rely on electrolytes include:.

The following electrolytes have important function in the body:. The body keeps electrolytes at optimal levels by regulating absorption in the gastrointestinal tract and excretion in the urine and stool. Problems with intake, absorption, or excretion of electrolytes can lead to imbalance, which can cause a range of symptoms.

Levels of electrolytes can be measured by simple blood tests. High levels of electrolytes are denoted by the prefix "hyper. The prefix "hypo" indicates low levels of electrolytes, so hypokalemia means potassium levels in the blood are low.

Electrolyte levels that are too high or too low can have several causes, including:. Symptoms of electrolyte imbalance vary depending on which electrolyte is affected and whether levels are too high or too low. Some of the more common electrolyte imbalances are discussed below.

Hyponatremia , or low sodium level in the blood, is the most common electrolyte disturbance. It can have many causes, including:. Hyponatremia can cause swelling in the brain.

Symptoms of hyponatremia include:. Hypernatremia refers to excessive levels of sodium in the blood. Most often, high sodium levels are seen in elderly people who are not drinking enough water.

Infants can also be affected. Symptoms include dry mouth, thirst, fatigue, agitation, and confusion. Hypokalemia , or low potassium levels in the blood, can occur with fluid losses, low intake, or when potassium shifts inside of cells.

This shift can happen for several reasons, including high blood pH alkalosis in the blood and certain medications. Diuretics are a common cause of hypokalemia. Hypokalemia can cause:. Elevated potassium level is a common problem in people with kidney disease, and can occur with low blood pH acidosis and medications.

ACE inhibitors angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors , a commonly prescribed class of blood pressure medication, can cause hyperkalemia. Elevated potassium may not cause any symptoms, but can lead to serious arrhythmias.

Hypocalcemia can be caused by low levels of parathyroid hormone, vitamin D deficiency , and certain medications. Symptoms include:. Hypercalcemia is commonly caused by hyperparathyroidism , a condition in which the parathyroid glands make too much parathyroid hormone excreted from four glands in the neck, behind the thyroid.

Cancer is another common cause of high calcium levels. Hypomagnesemia causes include common medications like diuretics, laxatives , and stomach acid lowering medication called proton pump inhibitors.

Symptoms are similar to other electrolyte disturbances, such as fatigue and gastrointestinal symptoms. Hypermagnesemia is less common and typically occurs in people with kidney disease who take magnesium-containing medications.

Not everyone requires electrolyte monitoring, but if you have certain conditions or take certain medications, your healthcare provider can monitor electrolyte levels with a simple blood test. The basic metabolic panel includes sodium, potassium, chloride, bicarbonate, and calcium.

Magnesium and phosphorus can also be measured by separate blood tests. The priority of treatment should be correcting the underlying cause of electrolyte imbalance. Supplementation may be required for managing low electrolyte levels.

Treatment includes:. For most people, eating a varied diet and staying hydrated are all you need to do to maintain electrolyte balance. People who have kidney disease and are prone to elevated electrolyte levels such as potassium and phosphate should follow a special diet that limits these nutrients.

They may also require medication called phosphate binders. Those experiencing high levels of electrolyte loss through gastrointestinal fluid losses or severe exertion with excessive sweating should take care to stay hydrated and consume beverages that contain electrolytes.

Overall, electrolytes are important for maintaining hydration levels and ensuring optimal muscle and nerve function. Her first introduction to working with professional athletes was back in when she worked at the UFC performance institute in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Since then, Jackie has worked with various professional fighters and other clientele and now operates under her company she started back in March, The Fight Nutritionist LLC. The Fight Nutritionist is dedicated to providing the most effective nutrition plans to ensure her athletes are performance at their absolute best.

All of her plans are individualized to the athlete and are backed by the latest research to ensure complete safety and efficacy.

Jackie is also a member of the international society of sports nutrition, where she often participates in different research projects and data collection with other ISSN members from Nova University. You can find her on LinkedIn here. org Fitness CPT Nutrition CES Sports Performance Workout Plans Wellness.

Table of Contents What are Electrolytes Foods to Replenish Electrolytes Sodium Potassium Calcium Magnesium Should You Use Electrolyte Beverages Signs of Electrolyte Imbalance Electrolytes Lost in Sweat What are Electrolytes? How to get electrolytes One of the easiest ways to get electrolytes is by eating foods rich in the minerals.

Foods to Replenish Electrolytes Here are some of the best natural sources of electrolytes you can consume to replenish electrolytes: To replenish sodium: Salted Nuts Pretzels Crackers Deli Meats Smoked Salmon Canned Beans To replenish potassium Bananas Potatoes Leafy Greens Citrus Coconut Avocado Zucchini Mushrooms Halibut, Cod, or Tuna Legumes To replenish Calcium Milk Yogurt Almonds Broccoli Fortified Cereals To replenish Magnesium Pumpkin Seeds Spinach Dark Chocolate Nuts Whole Grains Peanut Butter Should You Use Electrolyte Drinks?

The Best Drink to Replace Electrolytes Choosing electrolyte beverages such as Pedialyte, sports drinks like Gatorade, Powerade, or Body armor, electrolyte infused waters, or mixing electrolyte powders in your water is highly recommended if participating in activities outside for long durations.

Luckily, many electrolytes exist naturally in foods Read also: Monitoring Hydration Levels Electrolytes Lost in Sweat The majority of people will usually lose electrolytes by excessive sweating and not replacing both fluids and electrolytes lost in sweat.

Conclusion Overall, electrolytes are important for maintaining hydration levels and ensuring optimal muscle and nerve function. The Author. Related Posts. Nutrition Considering Medication for Obesity? Here's What You Need to Know.

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The three main compartments are. The body needs relatively large quantities of Calcium Chloride Magnesium read more —especially the macrominerals minerals the body needs in relatively large amounts —are important as electrolytes. Electrolytes are minerals that carry an electric charge when they are dissolved in a liquid, such as blood.

The blood electrolytes—sodium, potassium, chloride, and bicarbonate—help regulate nerve and muscle function and maintain acid-base balance Overview of Acid-Base Balance An important part of being healthy is for the blood to maintain a normal degree of acidity or alkalinity.

The acidity or alkalinity of any solution, including blood, is indicated on the pH scale Fat tissue has a lower percentage of water than lean tissue and women tend to have more fat, so the percentage read more , which have to be maintained in a normal range for the body to function.

Electrolytes, particularly sodium Overview of Sodium's Role in the Body Sodium is one of the body's electrolytes, which are minerals that the body needs in relatively large amounts. Electrolytes carry an electric charge when dissolved in body fluids such as blood read more , help the body maintain normal fluid levels in the fluid compartments because the amount of fluid a compartment contains depends on the amount concentration of electrolytes in it.

If the electrolyte concentration is high, fluid moves into that compartment a process called osmosis. Likewise, if the electrolyte concentration is low, fluid moves out of that compartment. To adjust fluid levels, the body can actively move electrolytes in or out of cells.

Thus, having electrolytes in the right concentrations called electrolyte balance is important in maintaining fluid balance among the compartments. The kidneys help maintain electrolyte concentrations Water and electrolyte balance The kidneys are bean-shaped organs that figure prominently in the urinary tract.

Each is about 4 to 5 inches 12 centimeters long and weighs about one third of a pound grams. One lies read more by filtering electrolytes and water from blood, returning some to the blood, and excreting any excess into the urine.

Thus, the kidneys help maintain a balance between the electrolytes a person takes in every day by consuming food and beverages and the electrolytes and water that pass out of the body in the urine are excreted.

If the balance of electrolytes is disturbed, a person can develop health issues. For example, an electrolyte imbalance can result from the following:.

The effects depend on the specific electrolyte. Too much potassium can affect your heart beat, causing abnormal heart rhythms or, in extreme cases, causing it to stop beating. Dehydration causes your sodium levels to be too high, and your body helpfully signals that you have too much sodium in your system by getting thirsty.

Ignore this cry for help, and symptoms of too much sodium then range from confusion, cramps, twitching, seizures, coma, or even death. Drinking too much water in general can also cause your electrolyte levels to be too high, causing symptoms like cramps, headaches, and a reduced ability to think clearly.

Some medications put you at higher risk of over-consuming or under-consuming electrolytes, which is why you should always talk to a doctor before taking supplements. Try to stick to magnesium-rich foods and natural food sources of potassium for these harder-to-get minerals, and always talk to your doctor before starting supplements.

And remember to drink enough water! Factors that can upset your water balance, and therefore your electrolyte levels too, include certain medications, vomiting, diarrhea, sweating, and liver or kidney problems.

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write a review for galveston. Longview Tyler Galveston Facebook Menu. Electrolyte Balance What Electrolytes Are and What Electrolytes Do Among the essential minerals that your body needs is a group called electrolytes. Related post.

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