28 Jan What are electrolytes?
An electrolyte is a substance that conducts electricity when dissolved in water. Electrolytes are essential for a number of functions in the body.Everyone needs electrolytes to survive. Many automatic processes in the body rely on a small electric current to function, and electrolytes provide this charge. Electrolytes interact with each other and the cells in the tissues, nerves, and muscles. A balance of different electrolytes is crucial for the body to function.
FAST FACTS ON ELECTROLYTES
- Electrolytes are vital for the healthy functioning of the human body.
- Fruits and vegetables are good sources of electrolytes.
- Common electrolytes include sodium, potassium, calcium, and bicarbonate.
- The symptoms of an electrolyte imbalance can include twitching, weakness, and, if unchecked, seizures and heart rhythm disturbances.
- Older adults are particularly at risk of an electrolyte imbalance
What are electrolytes?
Electrolytes are chemicals that conduct electricity when dissolved in water. They regulate nerve and muscle function, hydrate the body, balance blood acidity and pressure, and help rebuild damaged tissue.The muscles and neurons are sometimes referred to as the “electric tissues” of the body. They rely on the movement of electrolytes through the fluid inside, outside, or between cells. The electrolytes in human bodies include:
- sodium
- potassium
- calcium
- bicarbonate
- magnesium
- chloride
- phosphate
For example, a muscle needs calcium, sodium, and potassium to contract. When these substances become imbalanced, it can lead to either muscle weakness or excessive contraction. The heart, muscle, and nerve cells use electrolytes to carry electrical impulses to other cells.
Imbalance
The levels of electrolytes in the blood can become too high or too low, leading to an imbalance. Electrolyte levels can change in relation to water levels in the body, as well as other factors. Important electrolytes, including sodium and potassium, are lost in sweat during exercise. A rapid loss of fluids, such as after a bout of diarrhea or vomiting, can also affect the concentration of electrolytes. In these types of situations, the balance of electrolytes in the body needs to be restored. The kidneys and several hormones regulate the concentration of each electrolyte. If the level of one is too high, the kidneys filter it from the body, and different hormones act to restore a balance. An imbalance causes a health issue when the concentration of a certain electrolyte becomes higher than the body can regulate. Low levels of electrolytes can also affect overall health. The most common imbalances involve sodium and potassium.
Types of Electrolyte Imbalance
There are different types of electrolyte imbalance, depending on which electrolyte is affected. Each type has its own causes, symptoms, and treatment. Some of the common types of electrolyte imbalance are:
- Sodium imbalance: Sodium is the most abundant electrolyte in your body. It helps regulate fluid balance, blood pressure, nerve and muscle function, and acid-base balance. Sodium imbalance can be either high (hypernatremia) or low (hyponatremia). Hypernatremia can be caused by dehydration, excessive salt intake, kidney disease, diabetes, or certain medications. Hyponatremia can be caused by overhydration, heart failure, liver disease, hormonal disorders, or certain medications.
- Potassium imbalance: Potassium is the main electrolyte inside your cells. It helps regulate heart rhythm, muscle contraction, nerve impulses, and acid-base balance. Potassium imbalance can be either high (hyperkalemia) or low (hypokalemia). Hyperkalemia can be caused by kidney failure, tissue damage, acidosis, or certain medications. Hypokalemia can be caused by vomiting, diarrhea, diuretics, alkalosis, or certain medications.
- Calcium imbalance: Calcium is the most abundant mineral in your body. It helps build and maintain bones and teeth, support muscle and nerve function, and regulate blood clotting and hormone secretion. Calcium imbalance can be either high (hypercalcemia) or low (hypocalcemia). Hypercalcemia can be caused by hyperparathyroidism, cancer, vitamin D excess, or certain medications. Hypocalcemia can be caused by hypoparathyroidism, vitamin D deficiency, kidney disease, pancreatitis, or certain medications.
- Chloride imbalance: Chloride is the main electrolyte outside your cells. It helps maintain fluid balance, blood pressure, and acid-base balance. Chloride imbalance can be either high (hyperchloremia) or low (hypochloremia). Hyperchloremia can be caused by dehydration, kidney disease, metabolic acidosis, or certain medications. Hypochloremia can be caused by vomiting, diarrhea, diuretics, metabolic alkalosis, or certain medications.
- Magnesium imbalance: Magnesium is an important electrolyte that helps regulate nerve and muscle function, blood pressure, blood sugar, and protein synthesis. Magnesium imbalance can be either high (hypermagnesemia) or low (hypomagnesemia). Hypermagnesemia can be caused by kidney failure, laxative abuse, or certain medications. Hypomagnesemia can be caused by malnutrition, alcoholism, diarrhea, diuretics, or certain medications.
- Phosphate imbalance: Phosphate is a mineral that helps form bones and teeth, support cell function, and regulate energy metabolism. Phosphate imbalance can be either high (hyperphosphatemia) or low (hypophosphatemia). Hyperphosphatemia can be caused by kidney failure, hypoparathyroidism, or certain medications. Hypophosphatemia can be caused by malnutrition, alcoholism, hyperparathyroidism, or certain medications.
- Bicarbonate imbalance: Bicarbonate is a chemical that helps maintain the pH balance of your blood and other fluids. Bicarbonate imbalance can be either high (alkalosis) or low (acidosis). Alkalosis can be caused by vomiting, diuretics, hyperventilation, or certain medications. Acidosis can be caused by diarrhea, kidney disease, diabetes, or certain medications.
For example, a calcium excess can occur in people with breast cancer, lung cancer, or multiple myeloma. This type of excess is often caused by the destruction of bone tissue.
Signs and symptoms of excessive calcium may include:
- frequent urination
- constipation
- nausea
- stomach pain
- vomiting
- irregular heartbeat
- thirst
- dry mouth or throat
- lethargy
- fatigue
- moodiness and irritability
- extreme muscle weakness
- total loss of appetite
- confusion
- coma
As these symptoms can also result from cancer or cancer treatment, it may be difficult to identify high calcium levels as the cause.
Causes
There are several possible causes of an electrolyte imbalance, including:
- low levels of electrolytes and hydration after exercise
- prolonged periods of vomiting or diarrhea
- poor diet
- severe dehydration
- disruption of the acid-base balance, which is the proportion of acids and alkalis in the body
- congestive heart failure
- cancer treatment
- some other drugs, such as diuretics
- bulimia
- kidney disease
- age, as the kidneys of older adults become less efficient over time
Monitoring
An electrolyte panel is a test that screens for imbalances in the blood. It also measures the acid-base balance and kidney function. This test can help monitor the progress of treatment relating to a known imbalance. A doctor may include it as part of a routine physical exam, and people often undergo it during a hospital stay or when receiving care in an emergency room, as both acute and chronic illnesses can affect electrolyte levels. A healthcare professional may also perform this test for someone taking medication known to affect electrolyte concentrations, such as diuretics or angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors. The levels of electrolytes in the blood are measured in millimoles per liter (l). If the level of one type of electrolyte is too high or low, the doctor will test regularly until the levels are back to normal. If there is an acid-base imbalance, the doctor may carry out blood gas tests. These measure the acidity, oxygen, and carbon dioxide levels in a sample of blood from an artery. They also determine the severity of the imbalance and how the person is responding to treatment.
Treatment of Electrolyte Imbalance
The treatment of electrolyte imbalance depends on the cause and type of the imbalance. The main goal of treatment is to restore the normal levels of electrolytes in your body and prevent complications. Some of the possible treatments include:
- Fluid replacement: This involves drinking fluids or receiving fluids intravenously (through a vein) to correct dehydration or overhydration. The type and amount of fluid depend on the type of electrolyte imbalance and your overall health condition.
- Electrolyte supplements: This involves taking oral or intravenous supplements of the electrolyte that is too low or too high in your body. The dose and frequency of the supplement depend on the type and severity of the electrolyte imbalance and your overall health condition.
- Medications: This involves taking medications that can help correct the underlying cause of the electrolyte imbalance or prevent further complications. For example, diuretics can help remove excess fluid and sodium from your body, insulin can help lower high blood sugar and potassium levels, and calcium channel blockers can help lower high blood calcium levels.
- Dialysis: This is a procedure that uses a machine to filter your blood and remove excess fluid and waste products from your body. It is usually used for people with severe kidney failure or other life-threatening conditions that cause electrolyte imbalance.
Oral rehydration therapy
Doctors mainly use this to treat an electrolyte shortage alongside dehydration, which tends to follow severe diarrhea.The World Health Organization (WHO) has approved a solution for oral rehydration therapy that contains:
- 2.6 grams (g) of sodium chloride
- 1.5 g of potassium chloride
- 2.9 g of sodium citrate
- 13.5 g of glucose
These are dissolved in 1 l of water that the person drinks.
Electrolyte replacement therapy
In more severe cases of an electrolyte shortage, healthcare professionals may administer the electrolyte orally or through an IV drip. An infusion of saltwater solution or compound sodium lactate, for example, can help treat a shortage of sodium.
Prevention of Electrolyte Imbalance
The best way to prevent electrolyte imbalance is to maintain a healthy lifestyle and follow your doctor’s advice. Some of the preventive measures include:
- Drinking enough water and fluids to stay hydrated, especially during hot weather, physical activity, or illness.
- Eating a balanced diet that provides adequate amounts of electrolytes and other nutrients, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and dairy products.
- Avoiding excessive intake of salt, sugar, alcohol, caffeine, and processed foods that can affect your electrolyte levels and overall health.
- Taking medications as prescribed by your doctor and informing them of any side effects or changes in your condition.
- Monitoring your blood pressure, blood sugar, and kidney function regularly and reporting any abnormal results to your doctor.
- Seeking medical attention promptly if you experience any symptoms of electrolyte imbalance or other health problems.
Electrolyte imbalance is a common and potentially serious condition that can affect your health and well-being. By knowing the causes, symptoms, and treatment of electrolyte imbalance, you can take steps to prevent it and manage it effectively. If you have any questions or concerns about your electrolyte levels or health, consult your doctor for further guidance. When levels of an electrolyte are too low, it is important to have foods and drinks that contain high amounts of that electrolyte.
Here are some options:
1. Prickly Pears – The prickly pear fruit growing on the pads of the opuntia cactus is a not only an excellent source of electrolytes like potassium, magnesium, calcium and sodium, but is also rich in antioxidants. If you’re not sure how to consume this superfood, you can also go for prickly pear cactus water, a natural, energizing and hydrating drink that will keep electrolyte levels in check.
2. Spinach – Spinach definitely tops the list. It’s a phenomenal source of both Magnesium and Calcium, as well as vitamin A and vitamin K.
3. Kale- Just like spinach, lettuce and other leafy greens, kale is an excellent choice if you need to replenish your electrolytes, especially calcium and magnesium.
4. Dairy (milk and yogurt)- Both milk and yogurt are rich in calcium (just one cup contains between 300 and 450 mg) and sodium. They also contain a naturally perfect mix of good carbs, protein and electrolytes. This makes them a perfect post-workout snack (add them to a smoothie or a shake and mix them with spinach and banana for better results), especially because they’re full of protein too.
5. Avocado – Who doesn’t love a good avocado? They’re bursting with electrolytes like potassium (950 mg) and magnesium (58 mg), while also being high in healthy fats. Naturally low in sodium (14 mg), avocados enable the electrolytes to restore naturally, without the need to eat extra salt.
6. Broccoli – Broccoli is naturally high in calcium and potassium (288 mg per cup), so make sure to include it in your electrolyte-rich diet, alongside other green vegetables like arugula, spinach, kale and romaine lettuce.
7. Watermelon – Just like cucumber, watermelon in 90% water, which, mixed with natural sugars and potassium, makes it one of the best electrolytes-rich foods to include in your diet.
8. Bananas – Bananas are potassium queens. One banana can contain a 422 mg of potassium! Since potassium controls muscles, it’s no wonder that professional athletes often eat bananas during breaks and before/after workouts.
9. Butternut squash – If you’re wondering which other non-green vegetables contain electrolytes, one of the first to come to mind is the butternut squash, which is rich in three main electrolytes – magnesium, calcium and potassium. A perfect source of electrolytes in those gloomy winter months!
10. Celery – Like prickly pears, celery can be eaten raw, mixed in salads or squeezed into a juice which has amazing health benefits.
It is worth knowing how much of each electrolyte is in a type of food or drink. The Department of Agriculture has a searchable database of nutritional contents. Supplements are also an option for managing low levels of an electrolyte. For example, older adults often do not consume enough potassium, and treatments with corticosteroids or diuretic medications can also reduce these levels. In this case, potassium tablets can boost the concentration in the blood. Some sports drinks, gels, and candies can restore levels of electrolytes such as sodium and potassium during and after exercise. They can also help the body retain water. However, these products sometimes contain high electrolyte contents, and consuming too much can lead to an excess. Some also contain high levels of sugar. It is important to carefully follow any treatment or supplementation plan that a health professional recommends.
Recommended intake
Restoring the balance of electrolytes by making dietary changes should lead to an improvement in symptoms. If it does not, a doctor may order further tests to identify any underlying health conditions that may be causing the imbalance. Recommended intakes of some of the most common electrolytes are as follows:
| Electrolyte | Recommended intake, in milligrams (mg) | Recommended intake for people over 50, in mg | Recommended intake for people over 70, in mg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sodium | 1,500 | 1,300 | 1,200 |
| Potassium | 4,700 | – | – |
| Calcium | 1,000 | 1,200 | – |
| Magnesium | 320 for men, 420 for women | – | – |
| Chloride | 2,300 | 2,000 | 1,800 |
Takeaway
Electrolytes are a vital part of a person’s chemical makeup. An imbalance can affect the way the body works and lead to a range of symptoms. For example, if a person feels faint after a workout, an electrolyte imbalance could be one reason. Consuming electrolytes during or after intense exercise and other periods of profuse sweating can help preserve the balance. Be sure to stay hydrated at all times. Anyone with concerns should contact a healthcare professional.
CURATED BY OZZIE SMALL
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