What side effects can electrolytes cause?

Electrolytes are often mentioned when it comes to sports or hydration, but their function, benefits, and potential side effects are sometimes unclear. What are electrolytes and what side effects can they cause if we don't follow a few rules? In this article, we will explore in detail what electrolytes are and what effects they have on our bodies.

What is an electrolyte and why is it essential?

Electrolytes are the ions (atoms with extra or missing electrons that are therefore electrically charged) circulating in the blood. The main electrolytes are sodium (Na+) present in table salt in particular, potassium (K+) present in bananas and dried fruits, calcium (Ca2+) present in dairy products as well as legumes and magnesium (Mg2+), present in seeds and nuts.

Electrolytes have several essential roles in our body:

First, they ensure the maintenance of water balance: electrolytes, such as sodium and potassium, regulate water balance by controlling the movement of water between cells and fluids. Through osmosis and the action of the kidneys, they maintain optimal hydration, essential for proper cellular functioning, blood circulation and temperature regulation.

In addition, they will also participate in muscle and nerve function. Indeed, nerves transmit electrical impulses through a mechanism called action potential, which depends on electrolytes. These impulses will subsequently control muscle contraction and therefore have an impact on the muscular system. Electrolytes will thus promote these transmissions and therefore their effectiveness.

And they will ensure the regulation of blood pressure, as each of the ions has an impact on the regulation of blood pressure. Sodium will have the effect of increasing blood pressure, unlike potassium and magnesium which reduce it. Calcium, on the other hand, stabilizes it. It is therefore important to have a balance between these ions, in order to guarantee optimal blood pressure and prevent hypertension.

Electrolyte balance is fundamental for your body , it regulates vital functions such as hydration, muscular, nervous or cardiac activity.

Who can consume electrolytes?

Electrolytes are for all types of people, however, there are three groups that are mainly targeted, these are athletes, sick people and those who live in hot climates.

During intense or prolonged exercise, athletes lose significant amounts of sodium, potassium, and other electrolytes through sweat. Replenishing mineral stores after exercise helps prevent dehydration, muscle cramps, and fatigue.

When you vomit, have diarrhea, or have a fever, your body loses fluids and electrolytes. This can lead to imbalances, making it difficult to regulate blood pressure and keep your muscles and heart working properly. Electrolytes will help you rehydrate and restore this balance.

In hot weather, sweating increases to regulate body temperature, leading to increased loss of electrolytes. In these conditions, it is essential to replace these minerals to avoid dehydration and associated disorders, such as cramps and fatigue, for example.

Side Effects of Electrolyte Imbalance

What are the risks of an electrolyte overdose?

Hypernatremia, characterized by the presence of an abnormally high level of sodium in the blood, can cause fatigue and muscle weakness, a feeling of intense thirst, which is accompanied by some confusion, headaches. The main dangers in the most severe cases are neurological damage, due to rapid changes in sodium concentration, convulsions, coma or death.

On the other hand, hyperkalemia is an excess of potassium in the blood and can have serious health consequences, leading to heart problems for example. Indeed, potassium being responsible for the electrical signals sent to the heart, an excess can then cause irregularities in the heart rhythm, with risks of tachycardia or cardiac arrest.

Hypercalcemia, or excess calcium in the blood, exposes people to long-term kidney risks, including kidney problems. It is important to know that kidney stones affect 10% of the population and can be caused by excess calcium. If these problems are not resolved, in the long term, there are risks of urinary tract infections, kidney damage and ultimately kidney failure.

It is possible to detect excessive electrolyte consumption thanks to certain warning signs such as a feeling of general weakness, muscles that tire quickly, nausea, headaches, or even numbness.

Risk factors should also be taken into account. In fact, people with kidney problems, chronic diseases such as diabetes or heart disease may be at higher risk of electrolyte imbalance. This is also the case for taking certain medications that can disrupt electrolyte balance. It is also necessary to avoid excessive mineral intake, such as energy drinks for example.

What are the symptoms and risks of electrolyte deficiency?

Just like excess, electrolyte deficiency presents health risks. The symptoms are similar to those seen previously: fatigue, headaches, cramps, vomiting or even confusion.

The two main deficiencies are:

• Hyponatremia, characterized by a low level of sodium in the blood , manifests itself by symptoms such as general weakness, concentration problems, headaches, nausea, vomiting, cramps, or more seriously convulsions or coma. The dangers that result from it are numerous, the most serious are neurological disorders, convulsions, cardiac risks and respiratory arrest.
• Hypokalemia, being a potassium deficiency, can be recognized by muscle weakness, cramps, heart palpitations, constipation or feelings of numbness. The consequences can be significant, especially at the cardiac level, with irregular heartbeats, low blood pressure or even cardiac arrest.

Hyponatremia and hypokalemia can appear for example in athletes when they only consume water during exercise. To put it simply, in sweat you find mainly water but also sodium, potassium and certain other electrolytes. If athletes only compensate for water losses, then there will be an electrolytic deficit, therefore not enough sodium or potassium, among others.

If one or more of the symptoms appear, do not hesitate to consult a health professional to confirm this deficiency and obtain appropriate treatment.

Electrolyte drinks: what to choose and how to consume them?

What is an electrolyte drink?

An electrolyte drink is a drink that aims to provide minerals that the body loses through sweating or dehydration.

Electrolytic drinks and isotonic drinks are often confused, but what are the differences? The use of these two types of drinks is not the same. Indeed, isotonic drinks are intended for athletes, they are there to rehydrate but above all to provide an energy intake during physical activity. For electrolytic drinks, the use is more varied, whether for athletes, sick people or simply during hot weather, recharging electrolytes is very important.

It is in this context that we created Hydratis, a solution composed of a little sugar, electrolytes and trace elements which allows everyone to stay hydrated as well as possible, whatever the situation.

When and how to consume electrolytes?

Electrolyte consumption is recommended before, during and after physical exercise. It is indeed important to prepare your body for exercise, as well as keeping it hydrated and avoiding the risk of cramps during the activity. It is also necessary to rehydrate it at the end of the exercise to promote better recovery.

Drinking Too Many Electrolytes: Is It Dangerous?

Excessive consumption of electrolytes can cause adverse health effects, which is why it is advisable to follow the instructions on the Hydratis tubes. The solution can be taken daily, at a rate of 2 to 5 tablets per day, depending on your activities.

Although present in small amounts in our bodies, electrolytes are important for maintaining many vital functions such as regulating fluid balance, muscle contractions and even heart rate. A deficiency or excess of electrolytes can cause a variety of symptoms, from fatigue and muscle weakness to cramps, spasms and heart rhythm disturbances. To avoid these discomforts, it is essential to hydrate properly with good quality water and maintain a varied and balanced diet. In cases of high water expenditure, Hydratis tablets can offer a quick and effective solution to restore the body's electrolyte balance and support it in its efforts.