Electrolyte Imbalance: What Is It and How to Fix It?
We often hear about the importance of electrolytes for the body. But what does this mean and why are they important for our health? In this article, we'll answer, seek to understand electrolyte imbalance and explore its causes, symptoms, and ways to prevent it!
Electrolyte imbalance
To begin with, we need to ask ourselves what an electrolyte is. Generally speaking, an electrolyte is defined as: chemical components, therefore atoms that have an extra or extra electron and are therefore electrically charged. Electrolytic substances are very varied and have many industrial applications, but here we will focus on blood electrolytes, in liquid form.
In the human body, electrolytes perform several functions. The most important is to maintain cell membrane tension, but they also help regulate cardiac and neurological functions, balance the amount of water in the body, ensure oxygen supply, and maintain blood plasma acidity. In short, electrolytes are absolutely essential for the body and, therefore, for our health.
Among the main blood electrolytes we can find sodium which plays a role in the distribution of water in the body, potassium which helps ensure a balance of concentrations between the inside and outside of cells, calcium which is very important for blood clotting and magnesium which regulates muscle contraction by nerves.
Why is it important to maintain electrolyte balance?
As we understand, electrolytes play a major role in the body and it is impossible for the body to function properly without an adequate level of all essential electrolytes in the blood. This is why we often hear about the importance of electrolytes, especially in the sporting context since electrolyte balance can be threatened after a training session during which we have lost a lot of water through perspiration.
What can cause an imbalance? How do I know if I am affected?
Physical exercise is not the only possible cause of electrolyte imbalance; it can also be caused by illness or excessive consumption of certain medications that cause severe diarrhea and/or vomiting, which can also lead to this outcome. Malnutrition is also a major risk factor since most of the electrolytes we ingest are contained in food.
Symptoms associated with electrolyte imbalance vary greatly depending on the electrolyte involved. Here is a brief overview of the most common electrolyte disorders and their associated symptoms:
Hypercalcemia (excessive levels of calcium in the blood) is frequently caused by certain types of cancer, particularly thyroid cancer, and is manifested by abdominal pain, constipation, nausea/vomiting and a feeling of extreme thirst.
Hypocalcemia (low blood calcium levels) is often linked to hormonal insufficiency or vitamin D deficiency. The most common symptoms are muscle cramps or twitching and numbness around the mouth and fingers.
Hyperkalemia (excess potassium) is often caused by kidney failure or overconsumption of potassium- rich foods. Hyperkalemia is particularly dangerous because it is asymptomatic in most cases and only becomes noticeable when it becomes severe, with nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Hypokalemia is caused by increased potassium excretion or underconsumption of potassium- rich foods. Like hyperkalemia, it is often asymptomatic at first and manifests as muscle weakness, cramps, and cardiac arrhythmias when severe.
Hypernatremia (excess sodium in the blood) is often linked to significant water loss (diarrhea, lack of rehydration after exercise). The most common symptoms in patients are dehydration, nausea, vomiting, and fatigue.
Hyponatremia (a sodium deficiency in the blood) has many causes, including failure of certain organs such as the heart, kidneys, or liver, or a large excess of water in the body (which can occur post-operatively). It is not uncommon for hyponatremic patients to be asymptomatic. In other cases, this disorder manifests itself through loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, confusion, and muscle weakness.
Indeed, a wide variety of symptoms are observed depending on the electrolyte(s) involved. However, some are recurrent, such as nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and muscle weakness, which are sometimes accompanied by cramps. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is imperative to consult a doctor who can prescribe blood and urine tests to detect a possible imbalance.
It is also noted that electrolyte imbalance can be caused by very different factors, ranging from pre-existing diseases such as cancer to dysfunction of certain organs (especially the kidneys) through poor hydration and diet.
Coping with Electrolyte Imbalance
How to treat it?
It is important to know that treatments for electrolyte imbalances are as varied as the causes. In the case of electrolyte deficiencies (prefix hypo-), the most common solution is oral or intravenous administration of the missing electrolyte in patients. This can be coupled with rehydration if necessary. For electrolyte excesses (prefix hyper-), treatments may include medication to help eliminate the excess or even kidney dialysis, which involves filtering blood outside the body and then reinjecting it, often to replace kidneys that are not functioning.
How can this imbalance be prevented?
To prevent the risk of electrolyte imbalance , there are several good habits to adopt. The main one is to have a healthy and balanced diet to ensure a sufficient and regular intake of all electrolytes, combined with good hydration (drinking enough quality water every day, especially after exercise).
Hydratis lozenges will help you optimize your hydration. Thanks to their scientifically studied and validated composition, the lozenges will enrich your water with micronutrients and electrolytes and optimize the absorption of the water and electrolytes it contains.
In summary, an electrolyte imbalance occurs when the levels of certain electrolytes in the body, such as sodium , magnesium , or chloride , are unbalanced. This can affect the body's water system, causing imbalances at the cellular level and potentially leading to serious symptoms in patients . The reasons for this imbalance can be varied, ranging from disorders of the gastrointestinal system to malfunctions of the cardiac system. In all cases, appropriate treatment and medical supervision are necessary to restore the balance of electrolytes in the body.
