Electrolytes are of utmost importance for our overall health, as they are the ones which carry an electrical charge. When dissolved in water, they produce an electrically conducting solution. The main electrolytes within the body include magnesium, potassium, calcium, bicarbonate, hydrogen phosphate, chloride, and sodium.
They are typically found in liquid form, such as sweat, blood, and urine. When dissolved in water, they create electrically charged ions and allow the body to work properly. Their major functions include regulating the heartbeat and allowing the muscles to contract.
1. Magnesium
It promotes proper heart rhythm, promotes bone strength and building, keeps the protein fluid in check, improves digestive, lowers anxiety, helps in muscle contraction, and supports the function of the nervous system.
2. Potassium
It keeps blood pressure in check, promotes proper function of the muscles, and it regulates heart contractions.
3. Calcium
Calcium is critical for formation of bones and teeth; it supports cell division, prevents blood clotting, and helps with nerve signaling and muscle contraction.
4. Sodium
Sodium maintains a fluid balance and it promotes proper muscle contraction and nerve signaling.
5. Chloride
Chloride`s major function is maintaining a fluid balance.
Electrolyte imbalance can be manifested in different ways, depending on which mineral is out of balance. It is worth mentioning that elderly individuals are more susceptible to electrolyte imbalance. The major causes of this imbalance include:
- Poor diet
- Digestive issues which lead to improper absorption of food nutrients
- Hormonal imbalance or endocrine disorders
- Use of antibiotics, diuretics, and corticosteroid hormones
- Use of drugs in the treatment of cancer, hormonal disorders, and heart-related diseases
- Chemotherapy
- Kidney damage or kidney disease
- Sickness manifested by diarrhea, sweating, and vomiting, all of which lead to fluid loss
SYMPTOMS OF ELECTROLYTE IMBALANCE
- Joint pain and numbness
- Irregular heartbeats or heart palpitations
- Irregular blood pressure
- Bones problems
- Frequent headaches
- Dizziness, especially when standing up suddenly
- Cramps, constipation, or diarrhea
- Fatigue (chronic fatigue symptom)
- Difficulties concentrating and an overall confusion
- Insomnia
- Restlessness
- Muscle aches, spasms, twitches, and weakness
- Fever
- Thirst
- Anxiety
- Fluctuations in weight and appetite
In case you experience some of the symptoms above, seek medical attention and get your electrolyte levels check. You should also do some blood and urine tests as well as EKG test in order to find the root cause of the problem.
In addition to this, you may need to do ultrasounds and X-rays on the kidneys in a case of severe deficiency. Electrolyte deficiency is diagnosed if the levels are lower/ higher than normal.
- Magnesium: 1.5-2.5 mEq/L
- Potassium: 5-5.3 mEq/L
- Sodium: 136-145 mEq/L
- Chloride: 97-107 mEq/L
RESTORING ELECTROLYTE BALANCE : (NEXT PAGE)
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