Older adults may be more susceptible to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances than younger adults. Caregivers should watch older adults closely for signs of dehydration. They may need to help ensure that a person is eating and drinking enough.

Signs of dehydration in an older adult can include :. The following table shows optimal levels of electrolytes for children and adults:. An electrolyte imbalance can happen if a person becomes dehydrated or if they have too much water in their body. If a person has been sick with a short bout of vomiting or diarrhea or has been sweating heavily, drinking water or an over-the-counter electrolyte solution can help restore the balance of electrolytes.

Many oral rehydration drinks are available in stores, and they may be sufficient if an individual has a mild imbalance, with no severe symptoms. Some people have an electrolyte imbalance due to a health condition, such as kidney or heart disease. In this case, a person may be able to correct the imbalance at home over a period of days or weeks.

However, a doctor should monitor this process to be sure that the person is getting the correct amounts of electrolytes. Also, some individuals require additional treatment to address the underlying problem. If a person has a more severe case of kidney disease, they may need dialysis to address an electrolyte imbalance.

Electrolyte imbalances can be dangerous. If an imbalance is severe, a person may need to receive electrolytes intravenously, meaning into a vein and directly into the bloodstream, in the hospital. If a person believes that they may have mild dehydration, they can try a rehydration drink to rebalance their electrolyte levels.

However, people should be careful about using sports drinks for this purpose. Some experts believe that sports drinks contain too much sugar and too little sodium to correct an imbalance. Yet some studies have found that sports drinks and oral rehydration solutions provided similar results in people who had exercised in hot weather.

A person can make an oral rehydration solution at home instead of buying powder packets or ready-made drinks. Electrolyte imbalances can cause serious or life threatening symptoms.

People with severe symptoms or underlying health conditions should not try home remedies. Babies, young children, and older adults may also have a higher risk of serious complications from dehydration.

They should therefore consult a doctor. Healthy adults with mild dehydration may find that drinking a rehydration solution helps replenish their electrolytes.

However, if a health condition is causing an electrolyte imbalance or if a person has any severe symptoms, they should seek guidance from a doctor. Older adults, infants, and children should seek professional medical care if they have any symptoms of dehydration or an electrolyte imbalance.

Learn where you can find electrolytes in food and drink, including the best dietary sources of magnesium, calcium, sodium, and potassium.

Many automatic processes in the body run on small electric currents, and electrolytes provide this charge. Electrolytes are present throughout the…. Dehydration headaches can result in low blood pressure, dizziness, dark urine, and pain.

Learn more about the symptoms, causes, and treatment. Dark-colored urine and thirst are classic signs that someone is dehydrated. The simple solution is to drink more. But when dehydration occurs in the….

Learn about how Leigh syndrome can affect a person's life expectancy. This article also discusses how symptoms progress and what treatments may help. My podcast changed me Can 'biological race' explain disparities in health? Why Parkinson's research is zooming in on the gut Tools General Health Drugs A-Z Health Hubs Health Tools Find a Doctor BMI Calculators and Charts Blood Pressure Chart: Ranges and Guide Breast Cancer: Self-Examination Guide Sleep Calculator Quizzes RA Myths vs Facts Type 2 Diabetes: Managing Blood Sugar Ankylosing Spondylitis Pain: Fact or Fiction Connect About Medical News Today Who We Are Our Editorial Process Content Integrity Conscious Language Newsletters Sign Up Follow Us.

Medical News Today. Health Conditions Health Products Discover Tools Connect. Electrolyte imbalance symptoms, what causes it, and how to treat it. Medically reviewed by Grant Tinsley, Ph. Symptoms In children In older adults Optimal levels Causes Treatment Home remedies Summary An electrolyte imbalance occurs if the body has too much or too little water.

In children. In older adults. Optimal electrolyte levels. What causes an electrolyte imbalance? The hotter the temperature and the more intense the exercise, the more water is lost.

According to the American College of Sports Medicine, on average people lose 2 to 6 percent of their body weight during exercise sessions through sweating. Another prime cause of electrolyte loss is when you have chronic vomiting or diarrhea.

These fluids must be replaced to prevent dehydration and to keep essential body functions running properly.

Also, if you are an extreme exercise enthusiast, follow an intense exercise program, or if you have a medical condition that warrants close monitoring of your exercise and fluid intake, Edrea Jones, M. The most common sign of low electrolytes is muscle cramping, which can be excruciating and debilitating.

The best way to keep electrolytes balanced in your body is by paying attention to your thirst. Jones recommends drinking about two cups of fluid two hours before any physical activity.

Then, try to drink 4 to 6 ounces every 15 to 20 minutes during physical activity. Finally, have a drink after you finish exercising. Staying hydrated is key to maintaining a balance of electrolytes.

Water is the most natural choice for hydration. It is less expensive and more available than any other drink. Coconut water is another alternative for replenishing electrolytes.

Coconut water is low on the glycemic index, so it won't dramatically affect your blood sugar. Studies have also shown that it may help reduce blood pressure and cholesterol — a heart-healthy reason to drink it.

However, sports drinks are often more appealing. Sports drinks contain electrolytes and carbohydrates, which replenish body energy.

Many sports drinks have sodium chloride or potassium chloride added to them, which are major electrolytes lost when exercising. The added sugar and flavor in these drinks often entice people to drink a larger quantity compared to water.

Carbonated soft drinks , fruit juices and energy drinks should all be avoided as hydration sources. They contain far too much sugar and empty calories. The carbohydrates in these drinks offer only short bursts of energy rather than long-term benefits. That is why nobody can live more than three to five days without any water intake.

Get more health and wellness tips from Living Better. Need to make an appointment with a Piedmont physician?

Resources Find an Expert. For You Children Patient Handouts. What are electrolytes? The main electrolytes in your body include: Bicarbonate, which helps maintain the body's acid and base balance pH.

It also plays an important role in moving carbon dioxide through the bloodstream. Calcium , which helps make and keep bones and teeth strong. Chloride, which also helps control the amount of fluid in the body.

In addition, it helps maintain healthy blood volume and blood pressure. Magnesium, which helps your muscles, nerves, and heart work properly. It also helps control blood pressure and blood glucose blood sugar.

Phosphate, which works together with calcium to build strong bones and teeth. Potassium , which helps your cells, heart, and muscles work properly. Sodium , which helps control the amount of fluid in the body.

It also helps your nerves and muscles work properly. You get these electrolytes from the foods you eat and the fluids you drink. What is an electrolyte imbalance? The names of the different types of electrolyte imbalances are: Electrolyte Too low Too high Bicarbonate Acidosis Alkalosis Calcium Hypocalcemia Hypercalcemia Chloride Hypochloremia Hyperchloremia Magnesium Hypomagnesemia Hypermagnesemia Phosphate Hypophosphatemia Hyperphosphatemia Potassium Hypokalemia Hyperkalemia Sodium Hyponatremia Hypernatremia How are electrolyte imbalances diagnosed?

What are the treatments for electrolyte imbalances? For example: If you don't have enough of an electrolyte, you may get electrolyte replacement therapy. This involves giving you more of that electrolyte. It could be a medicine or supplement that you swallow or drink, or it may be given intravenously by IV.

If you have too much of an electrolyte, your provider may give you medicines or fluids by mouth or by IV to help remove that electrolyte from your body. Studies have also shown that it may help reduce blood pressure and cholesterol — a heart-healthy reason to drink it.

However, sports drinks are often more appealing. Sports drinks contain electrolytes and carbohydrates, which replenish body energy. Many sports drinks have sodium chloride or potassium chloride added to them, which are major electrolytes lost when exercising.

The added sugar and flavor in these drinks often entice people to drink a larger quantity compared to water. Carbonated soft drinks , fruit juices and energy drinks should all be avoided as hydration sources.

They contain far too much sugar and empty calories. The carbohydrates in these drinks offer only short bursts of energy rather than long-term benefits. That is why nobody can live more than three to five days without any water intake. Get more health and wellness tips from Living Better.

Need to make an appointment with a Piedmont physician? Save time, book online. Close X. All Content Living Real Change Physician's Name News. Back to Living Real Change Sign up to receive the Living Real Change Newsletter. Sign up to receive the Living Real Change Newsletter First Name Last Name Email Address Birthdate.

Zip Code. Treatment options normally include either increasing or decreasing fluid intake. Mineral supplements may be given by mouth or intravenously if depleted. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.

Electrolytes are naturally occurring minerals that control important bodily functions. Here's what you need to know about electrolyte imbalance, its…. Traditional sports drinks provide easy-to-digest carbohydrates to help athletes to fuel longer-duration exercises and replace electrolyte lost in….

Want to change up your hydration routine after a sweat session? These great-tasting fluids will rehydrate and power your body — no water required. The sweat electrolyte test finds out how much sodium and chloride you have in your sweat.

Blood tests are one of the key ways to confirm a diagnosis of hemochromatosis. Additional testing might include an MRI, genetic testing, and a liver…. Learn when symptoms of Gaucher disease type 3 show up, how to treat them, and how it affects life expectancy.

Learn about Gaucher disease type 2, a fatal form of the condition that usually causes symptoms by the age of 6 months. Secondary hemochromatosis is the buildup of iron levels in your body due to an underlying medical condition. Learn about symptoms, causes, treatment….

Lesch-Nyhan syndrome is a rare genetic disorder that is tied to the X chromosomes. No cure is available yet, but treatment plans can help manage….

A Quiz for Teens Are You a Workaholic? How Well Do You Sleep? Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. 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.

Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we: Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm? Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence?

Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices? We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness.

Read more about our vetting process.

Remember thirst is the 1 indicator that you may be dehydrated. Replenishing electrolytes via sports drink helps to replenish your mineral losses; but electrolytes also help make the most of your water, which is the key to proper hydration. Sports drinks high in sodium, potassium, magnesium, and calcium can help retain fluids, and proper fluid balance contributes to optimal performance.

Sodium is the most important electrolyte to monitor during training. Excessive losses of sodium via sweat can lead to muscle cramps, and in some cases hyponatremia low blood sodium — both can lead to a decrease in performance, and can cause major health complications 2.

Sodium is critical for maintaining fluid balance, nerve function, muscle contractions, and acid-base balance 2. Sodium losses in sweat are greater than any other electrolyte.

Therefore, it is crucial to maintain an adequate balance, both during your activity and after. Potassium in conjunction with sodium helps alleviate and prevent muscle cramps 2. Potassium is abundant in many food sources, and the average individual has high stores within the body.

In sweat, potassium losses are not as high as sodium. Therefore, making it highly unlikely that losses in potassium alone can cause a decrease in performance. Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body 2.

It serves many roles both in normal bodily functions, and athletic performance. When calcium is circulating within the bloodstream it has a major impact on metabolism of essential nutrients, and proper physiological functions. It is well documented that calcium is essential for bone and muscle health.

Calcium is also involved in all types of muscle heart, skeletal, and smooth functions and contractions 1. And lastly, calcium is involved in the synthesis and breakdown of muscle and liver glycogen fuel stores 2.

Similar to how sodium and potassium function together, magnesium and calcium do the same. Calcium is essential for muscle contractions; magnesium aids in helping muscles relax 1.

Therefore, the combination of magnesium and calcium is critical for healthy muscle function. Magnesium also aids in glucose metabolism, and it used in many enzymatic reactions 3. Several factors come into play when determining electrolyte losses such as: fitness level, activity duration, and environmental factors.

During conditions in which both temperatures and humidity are high, the body works harder, thus increasing internal body temperature thermoregulation. With this increase, the body needs to release heat through sweat , and electrolytes can be lost at a greater rate.

During strenuous activities in which sweat rates may be greater, or the duration is longer it is essential to replace electrolytes through fluids, and be aware of signs of dehydration. The Institute Of Medicine IOM has set standards for each of these minerals 4.

Offer valid on ground shipping and only in the continental U. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Not sure which Nuun to get? Take the Quiz! Winter is here! Learn How to Create Healthy Hydration Habits. Ever wonder what the key to proper hydration is?

Say hello to electrolytes. But what do electrolytes do? So, why are electrolytes important? Sodium Na — maintains fluid balance Sodium is the most important electrolyte to monitor during training.

Potassium K — prevents cramping Potassium in conjunction with sodium helps alleviate and prevent muscle cramps 2. Magnesium Mg — relaxes muscles Similar to how sodium and potassium function together, magnesium and calcium do the same. How many electrolytes do I need? For both males and females it is recommended to keep sodium intake below 2, mg.

Potassium recommendation for males and females are 4, mg per day. 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:. Becoming dehydrated Dehydration Dehydration is a deficiency of water in the body.

Vomiting, diarrhea, excessive sweating, burns, kidney failure, and use of diuretics may cause dehydration. People feel thirsty, and as dehydration read more or overhydrated Overhydration Overhydration is an excess of water in the body.

read more. Learn more about the Merck Manuals and our commitment to Global Medical Knowledge. Brought to you by About Merck Merck Careers Research Worldwide. Disclaimer Privacy Terms of use Contact Us Veterinary Edition.