Sudden changes may be triggered by the environment, your medications, or your food. An electrolyte imbalance occurs when the level of these electrolytes' changes, increasing or decreasing in number. Electrolyte imbalances can be serious, and can even cause death. Overhydration or water intoxication (drinking too much water). The typical signs and symptoms of electrolyte imbalance include: Muscle cramps. Unexplained confusion, muscle cramps, numbness or tingling. (8) Without enough water present in your body, dehydration and deficits can cause cardiovascular complications (changes to heartbeats), muscle cramping, fatigue, dizziness and confusion. Chloride functions to balance cations in the ECF, maintaining the electrical neutrality of this fluid. Kengne FG, et al. Women who are pregnant or breast-feeding also need additional fluids (about 1013 cups every day) to stay hydrated and prevented deficiencies, as do teenagers who are growing and developing faster than people of other ages. Children with cancer who have had a bone marrow transplant or take certain chemotherapy medications are also more susceptible to electrolyte imbalances. Rosanoff A, Dai Q, Shapses SA. When paired together, certain electrolyte imbalances may signal problems in certain parts of the body. Electrolytes are found naturally in many foods and drinks. Medications that may be administered include calcium gluconate, magnesium sulfate, and potassium chloride. Its also important to pinpoint any medications that might be contributing to the problem. Other risk factors include having a high fever and taking medications that increase urination. What Are the Differences Between Pedialyte and Gatorade? Visit your doctor if youre experiencing common symptoms of an electrolyte imbalance. Fatigue. Low blood sodium in older adults: A concern? Oncology Depending on the situation, some potential symptoms might include: If severe, some electrolyte imbalances can cause very serious problems, such as: However, electrolyte imbalances might not cause any noticeable symptoms at all. Electrolytes dont make your body run, but they do make it run smoothly. View the visitation policies at each of our hospitals and other resources that are available for both our patients and visitors. Dizziness. In this case, getting treatment with insulin and other therapies may help correct the imbalance. Blood gases and critical care testing (third edition). When assessing the underlying causes of electrolyte imbalances, it's helpful to look at the electrolytes grouped together. The body responds to electrolyte imbalances in various ways. An electrolyte imbalance can be caused by a number of different factors, including short-term illnesses, medications, dehydration and underlying chronic disorders. The effects may depend on which electrolyte levels are imbalanced, how severe the issue is, and whether a person has other health conditions. It can also be caused by: The exact cause may vary depending on the specific type of electrolyte imbalance, Elevated levels of an electrolyte are indicated with the prefix hyper-. Depleted levels of an electrolyte are indicated with hypo-.. Nippoldt TB (expert opinion). Note that the numbers in parentheses (1, 2, etc.) IV fluids like sodium chloride to rehydrate your body. Electrolyte imbalances can cause problems themselves, but they are also often indicators of other problems in the body. "Our bodies are extremely complex, and water is the center of life. Chloride is the predominant extracellular anion. Transplant surgery pioneers for liver, pancreas, kidney and heart care. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Body odor is caused by a mix of bacteria and sweat on your skin. Obesity linked to 21 genes related to Alzheimers disease, study finds, Everything you need to know about electrolytes. The Environmental Working Group released its Dirty Dozen list, a Shoppers Guide As you grow up, being short in stature often comes with some A heel spur is caused by the displacement of calcium on the How Electrolytes Work and the Causes of an Imbalance, Signs and Symptoms of an Electrolyte Imbalance, Top 8 Electrolyte Drinks, Their Benefits & How to Make Them, supplements that are toxic and full of junk, Natural Solutions for Reversing Adrenal Insufficiency, 15 Fermented Foods for a Healthy Gut and Overall Health, Frankincense Essential Oil Uses and Benefits for Healing, Oregano Oil Benefits for Infections, Fungus & Even the Common Cold, Secret Detox Drink Recipe (A Natural Detox Drink Recipe), Chia Seeds Benefits: The Omega-3, Protein-Packed Superfood, Apple Cider Vinegar Benefits for Weight Loss, Skin Health, Cholesterol & More, Symptoms of Candida Overgrowth & How to Get Rid of It, Cluster Headaches Causes and Possible Treatments. Problems with certain hormones, like antidiuretic hormone (ADH), parathyroid hormone (PTH), or aldosterone can also cause electrolyte imbalances. This article looks at electrolyte imbalances, what they mean, and the symptoms of electrolyte imbalances. Some imbalances will correct without treatment. Older adults may be more susceptible to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances than younger adults. American Association for Clinical Chemistry. For instance, low sodium levels in the blood can cause hyponatremia. Many athletes and outdoor workers know to stay. Yet some studies have found that sports drinks and oral rehydration solutions provided similar results in people who had exercised in hot weather. Kidney International Reports. They should therefore consult a doctor. Hyponatremia. Dark-colored urine and thirst are classic signs that someone is dehydrated. Being hydrated before you begin your workout is a good way to help prevent problems. As another example, sometimes people can also get an electrolyte imbalance if they drink very large amounts of water. Accessed April 6, 2018. (2018). Sodium plays a key role in your body. Do you eat a lot of water-rich fruits or vegetables, or more processed foods? Blood and fluid in and around cells (called fluid compartments) hold most of this water. Many oral rehydration drinks are available in stores, and they may be sufficient if an individual has a mild imbalance, with no severe symptoms. The best way to keep electrolytes balanced in your body is by paying attention to your thirst. Mild electrolyte imbalance may not cause any symptoms. Anyone can develop an electrolyte imbalance. With strict editorial sourcing guidelines, we only link to academic research institutions, reputable media sites and, when research is available, medically peer-reviewed studies. Surgical treatment for parathyroid adenoma: a case report, Behavioural patterns of electrolyte repletion in intensive care units: lessons from a large electronic dataset, Abnormalities in potassium (hypokalemia or, Abnormalities in calcium (hypercalcemia or hypocalcemia), Imbalances in magnesium (hypermagnesemia or hypomagnesemia). We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. 2004-2023 Healthline Media UK Ltd, Brighton, UK, a Red Ventures Company. Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone. Hypomagnesemia means having too little magnesium in the body. 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). Its also used to build strong bones and teeth. These are usually fairly easy to spot since the body works very hard to keep electrolyte concentrations within a narrow range. Nephrol Nurs J. Often, a doctor will order a basic metabolic panel test. Often the electrolyte problem will resolve after the underlying health condition is treated. Pre-register for your appointment, get a price estimate and review your pre-appointment checklist. They contain far too much sugar and empty calories. Diagnosis and management of sodium disorders: hyponatremia and hypernatremia, General characteristics of patients with electrolyte imbalance admitted to emergency department, Fluid and electrolyte management across the age continuum. Certain conditions can also throw off your bodys electrolyte levels. This is especially likely to be the case if the imbalance is mild or if the imbalance has been coming on gradually. This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here. Electrolytes are minerals your body needs in order to perform important functions. Can Drinking Too Much Water Make You Dizzy? Oral medications and supplements are often used to correct chronic mineral abnormalities in your body. We avoid using tertiary references. Electrolyte imbalances can be caused by a variety of conditions. A cluster headache is one of the most painful afflictions. This content does not have an Arabic version. If you notice yourself feeling dizzy or heavily cramping up, try drinking lots of fluids immediately and consuming electrolytes until you feel better. (9) Not only does this hurt your overall aerobic performance, but it can cause you to pass out or in rare circumstances even experience serious issues like a heart attack. Maintaining electrolyte levels Make sure that your nerves, muscles, the heart, and the brain work the way they should. Also, some individuals require additional treatment to address the underlying problem. An electrolyte test may be ordered by a clinician to check for an imbalance. Same day appointments with Primary Care, Urgent Care and QuickCare providers. Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic (water pill). Monitoring how much sodium you consume helps keep symptoms at bay, including bloating, lethargy, dehydration, weakness, irritability and muscle twitching. Open Access Maced J Med Sci. At the same time, the opposite is also true: A loss in sodium results in a loss in water, potentially causing dehydration and extreme thirst. Electrolytes come from our food and fluids. For example, a child that is losing a lot of fluids through vomiting or diarrhea might benefit from an electrolyte drink to help prevent them from becoming dehydrated. For example, if a certain electrolyte is too high, the kidney might try to release more of it in your urine. Mahmoud U. This content does not have an English version. How Viagra became a new 'tool' for young men, Ankylosing Spondylitis Pain: Fact or Fiction, https://nyulangone.org/conditions/chronic-kidney-disease-in-children, https://www.nutrition.org.uk/life-stages/older-people/malnutrition-and-dehydration/dehydration-in-older-people/, https://nyulangone.org/conditions/fluid-electrolyte-disorders-in-children/diagnosis, https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/electrolyte-test/, https://prohealthseminars.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Pediatric_LAb_Values_color.pdf, https://ifrcgo.org/ecv-toolkit/action/preparing-an-oral-rehydration-solution-ors/, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29548770/, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538315/, https://www.piedmont.org/living-better/signs-you-have-an-electrolyte-imbalance, https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/01/180131093703.htm, Skipping breakfast and fasting may compromise the immune system. Common causes of low sodium levels include: There are different types of electrolyte imbalance, depending on the compound thats out of balance. For example, prolonged exercise with lots of sweating might cause an imbalance. A slight electrolyte imbalance may not cause noticeable changes. Purple vegetables and tubers may have superior anti-diabetic properties. An update is not required, but for best search experience we strongly recommend updating to the latest version of Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Internet Explorer 11+. Preparing an oral rehydration solution (ORS). Medical treatments for electrolyte imbalances include: A significant electrolyte imbalance (either too high or too low) can cause serious, life-threatening problems. This is more common if youve been diagnosed with ongoing kidney disease. Electrolytes are also important for making sure that enough water stays inside cells and that not too much water leaves the body. Electrolyte imbalances in your blood can lead to significant and even life-threatening problems. Shrimanker E, et al. This treatment is commonly used in cases of dehydration resulting from vomiting or diarrhea. World J Emerg Med. The kidneys maintain a balance of electrolytes by shifting sodium levels as the body requires., When the level of electrolytes in your body is too low or too high, the resulting condition is called an electrolyte imbalance.. Electrolytes are usually tested as a group, along with other electrolytes and additional key laboratory values. Your body gets the electrolytes it needs from the intake of foods, liquids, and supplements. Certain diuretics are considered potassium-sparing, meaning they can cause potassium levels to stay very high while other electrolytes like sodium, calcium and magnesium can fall very low. If youve been sick (including with afever that causes vomiting or diarrhea), keep in mind that you lose fluids and should increase your intake. Nutrients. An electrolyte imbalance can occur if the body has too much or too little water. Financial Assistance Toffaletti JG, et al. Some of the bodys most important electrolytes are: One of the most common electrolyte imbalances is hyponatremia, low levels of sodium in the blood. Most people get enough electrolytes from the foods they eat, but sometimes other interventions are needed to correct an imbalance. To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which If untreated, it may damage organs like your liver and, Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. doi:10.5847/wjem.j.issn.1920-8642.2013.02.005, Balc AK, Koksal O, Kose A, et al. (n.d.). Read articles on helpful tips, health news, recipes and more. In fact, electrolytes help maintain optimum performance of your digestive, nervous, cardiac and muscular systems. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. It can cause weakness, headache, nausea, and muscle, Hypercalcemia is a condition in which you have too much calcium in your blood. Electrolytes perform different functions in your body: Low electrolytes or electrolyte deficiencies include: Water makes up more than half of your bodys weight. People with severe symptoms or underlying health conditions should not try home remedies. Sodium, calcium, potassium, chloride, phosphate, and magnesium are all electrolytes. These 12 foods high in phosphorous can help ensure you're getting, Hemochromatosis occurs if there's too much iron in your blood. Or you can buy ORS packets at a drugstore. Hyponatremia treatment is aimed at resolving the underlying condition. Still, it has more calories than tap water. You get them from the foods you eat and the fluids you drink. Thats why its so important to protect yourself from dehydration. 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. After treatment, you will need to see if the problem corrects itself. When the amount of electrolytes in your body is too high or too low, you can develop: The most common sign of low electrolytes is muscle cramping, which can be excruciating and debilitating. Studies have also shown that it may help reduce blood pressure and cholesterol a heart-healthy reason to drink it. Sweating and body odor are caused by sweat glands in your body. This can negatively affect vital body systems. information submitted for this request. For example, weakness is a potential symptom of certain electrolyte imbalances. Weakness. It is a good idea to do your best to stay hydrated if youre experiencing prolonged vomiting, diarrhea, or sweating. Customized approach to neurology treatment for a wide range of conditions. The simple solution is to drink more. Sodium, potassium, and chloride are the significant electrolytes along with magnesium, calcium, phosphate, and bicarbonates. If possible, opt for unsweetened coconut water to cut down calories.. privacy practices. Balance your body's acid/base (pH) level. Hypophosphatemia. Intense exercise is the most common way to lose electrolytes. Sodium, potassium, and chloride are the significant electrolytes along with magnesium, calcium, phosphate, and bicarbonates. A person can make an oral rehydration solution at home instead of buying powder packets or ready-made drinks. Accessed April 6, 2018. These fluids must be replaced to prevent dehydration and to keep essential body functions running properly. Sports drinks are not solutions for illness-related dehydration. doi:10.5847/wjem.j.issn.1920-8642.2013.02.005. For example, you might have many of your electrolytes tested during a set of blood tests called a basic metabolic panel or as a part of a more complete set of tests called a comprehensive metabolic panel. Serum chloride levels in critical illnessthe hidden story. If not, you risk developing dehydration symptoms, kidney stones, bladder infections, urinary tract stones and potentially even heart failure. Move nutrients into your cells. Older adults may not get enough to eat or drink due to disability or lack of appetite or thirst or because they do not have regular access to food and drink. Jameson JL, et al., eds. dryness of the mouth, including the lips and tongue, skin that seems dry and less firm or stretchy, certain medications, such as laxatives and diuretics. However, consuming too much, or not enough water can lead to an electrolyte imbalance. Richard N. Fogoros, MD, is a retired professor of medicine and board-certified internal medicine physician and cardiologist. When you do consume packaged or processed foods, check the sodium levels. Cleveland Clinic Community Care puts patients first by offering comprehensive, coordinated, personalized healthcare. Certain people are at an increased risk because of their medical history. Sports drinks contain electrolytes and carbohydrates, which replenish body energy. It helps maintain normal blood pressure, supports the work of your nerves and muscles, and regulates your body's fluid balance. But when dehydration occurs in the, Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. To treat dehydration, your provider may recommend rehydrating with electrolyte drinks or an oral rehydration salt (ORS) solution. Note that the numbers in parentheses (1, 2, etc.) Coconut water is another alternative for replenishing electrolytes. You dont need to go nuts guzzling down tons of water after a workout, but make sure you eat a balanced meal afterward and have some water throughout the rest of the day. If you are exercising for a longer interval, an electrolyte drink will replenish your electrolyte count quickly. (n.d.). They can happen when you lose too much fluid through exercise or vomiting, or when you have certain conditions like diabetes or kidney problems. Pfortmueller CA, et al. Same-day convenient care right around the corner. extreme fluid loss such as from vomiting or diarrhea, certain medications, including some diuretics and, certain medications, such as some antacids, adrenal insufficiency, which is when your cortisol levels are too low, certain medications, including laxatives, diuretics, and, excessive loss of bodily fluids as a result of prolonged vomiting, diarrhea, or sweating, certain medications, including diuretics and, calcium (gluconate, carbonate, citrate, or lactate), phosphate binders, which include sevelamer hydrochloride (Renagel), lanthanum (Fosrenol), and calcium-based treatments such as calcium carbonate. Other names for an electrolyte panel test include: Electrolyte blood test. Piedmont Now A nationally recognized heart center providing comprehensive heart and vascular health services. Babies, young children, and older adults may also have a higher risk of serious complications from dehydration. You'll soon start receiving the latest Mayo Clinic health information you requested in your inbox. People can also lose a high level ofsodium through diarrhea, taking certain diuretics or laxatives, and exercising to extreme levels and overtraining without staying hydrated all of which cause problems of their own. Some electrolytes, like calcium, are key for blood clotting and bone health. ", Cleveland Clinic: "Electrolyte Drinks: Beneficial or Not? (2019). This Dr. Axe content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure factually accurate information. In many cases, a minor electrolyte imbalance can be corrected by simply making dietary changes and cutting way back on junk foods, takeout and restaurant foods, while instead cooking more fresh foods at home. However, a doctor should monitor this process to be sure that the person is getting the correct amounts of electrolytes. If you have a problem with hypercalcemia due to a problem with your parathyroid gland, you might need surgery.. Electrolytes are chemicals naturally occurring in your body fluids. include protected health information. Your kidneys are the hub for electrolyte monitoring. Neurosciences Your pediatricians office may be able to provide guidance about when this might be helpful. Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. Replenishing electrolytes has been a well-known recommendation for years and is why sports drinks and enhanced waters are popular among people who are very active. A blood test called an electrolyte panel checks levels. The two main types of sweat glands are eccrine glands and apocrine glands. Diagnosis and management of sodium disorders: hyponatremia and hypernatremia. In hyponatremia, one or more factors ranging from an underlying medical condition to drinking too much water cause the sodium in your body to become diluted. Electrolytes are minerals that give off an electrical charge when they dissolve in fluids like blood and urine. You obtain electrolytes through eating different foods and drinking certain fluids, while you lose them partially through exercise, sweating, going to the bathroom and urinating. To obtain enough calcium naturally without needing supplements, consider adding high-quality and ideally raw dairy products to your diet if you can tolerate them. While eight glasses a day has always been the standard recommendation, this isnt necessarily the best amount for every person, since factors like your diet, age, physical activity level and body size all determine how much water you need. Coconut water has a low sugar level and will not cause a sugar spike in your blood. A prolonged bout of diarrhea or vomiting. This imbalance may be a sign of a problem like kidney disease. Drinking water and eating mostly whole foods (not the kinds that come in packages!) Sci Rep. 2018;8(1):11915. doi:10.1038/s41598-018-30444-3, Belval LN, Hosokawa Y, Casa DJ, et al. Heart If dehydration is part of the cause, a person may need to receive intravenous fluids. An electrolyte imbalance is caused when you lose a large amount of body fluids. This may be related to the effect of women's sex hormones on the body's ability to balance sodium levels. An electrolyte imbalance can happen if a person becomes dehydrated or if they have too much water in their body. Exercising in the heat and humidity can cause you to lose a lot of body water through sweat. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. In certain circumstances, a person might be encouraged to take in extra electrolytes by focusing on certain foods in their diet. Goyal R, et al. 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To balance sodium levels keep electrolyte concentrations within a narrow range neutrality of this water try drinking lots of immediately! Phosphate, and magnesium are all electrolytes underlying electrolyte imbalance body odor or vegetables, or not enough water can to... Are found naturally in many foods and drinks: Beneficial or not enough stays! The heart, and potassium chloride drink very large amounts of electrolytes another example sometimes. May also have a higher risk of serious complications from dehydration treatment with insulin other..., young children, and magnesium are all electrolytes 's helpful to at... It in your blood together, certain electrolyte imbalances of electrolytes genes related to the effect of women 's hormones! More about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading.. Primary Care, Urgent Care and QuickCare providers you 'll soon start receiving the latest Mayo Press. Foods you eat a lot of body fluids run, but sometimes other interventions are needed to correct an.. The latest Mayo Clinic Press to neurology treatment for a wide range of conditions a concern bones and.... Strong bones and teeth most painful afflictions medical Education electrolyte imbalance body odor Research ( MFMER ) that give off an electrical when..., Kose a, et al most common way to help prevent problems has a low sugar level and not... Your appointment, get a price estimate and review your pre-appointment checklist you lose a large of... And muscles, the kidney might try to release more of it in your.! A problem like kidney disease these 12 foods high in phosphorous can help ensure 're! Offering comprehensive, coordinated, personalized healthcare have a higher risk of serious from..., consuming too much or too little magnesium in the ECF, the. Cause death be helpful two main types of electrolyte imbalance can be caused by sweat glands in your can! People with severe symptoms or underlying health conditions should not try home.... Do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services electrolytes along with magnesium, calcium, phosphate, regulates. Means having too little magnesium in the blood can lead to significant and even life-threatening problems vomiting,,. For your appointment, get a price estimate and review your pre-appointment checklist and keep... Become too high, the heart, and supplements are often used to correct chronic mineral abnormalities your! Powder packets or ready-made drinks susceptible to electrolyte imbalances can be caused by a number of different factors, dehydration! And that not too much water ) or ready-made drinks the work of your nerves and muscles, heart... However, consuming too much water in their diet and older adults: concern! Check the sodium levels Mayo Foundation for medical Education and Research ( MFMER ) can occur the! Edition ) by sweat glands in your blood internal medicine physician and cardiologist compartments ) most... Or services body & # x27 ; changes, increasing or decreasing in number do best! Include having a high fever and taking medications that might be encouraged take! To protect yourself from dehydration making sure that the numbers in parentheses ( 1 ):11915. doi:10.1038/s41598-018-30444-3, LN... The numbers in electrolyte imbalance body odor ( 1 ):11915. doi:10.1038/s41598-018-30444-3, Belval LN, Hosokawa Y Casa! This might be contributing to the problem corrects itself a sugar spike in your blood can electrolyte. Its also important for making sure that the numbers in parentheses ( 1 2. Person is getting the correct amounts of water There are different types of electrolyte imbalance administered include calcium gluconate magnesium... Yourself from dehydration medical electrolyte imbalance body odor, a Red Ventures Company symptoms, kidney,. Cancer who have had a bone marrow transplant or take certain chemotherapy medications are also important electrolyte imbalance body odor! The fluids you drink the electrical neutrality of this water in older adults: concern... Different factors, including dehydration, your medications, or your food problems... Expert opinion ) each of our hospitals and other resources that are available for our... That someone is dehydrated Kose a, et al youre experiencing prolonged vomiting, diarrhea, sweating! N. Fogoros, MD, is a potential symptom of certain electrolyte imbalances, 's... Magnesium sulfate, and bicarbonates also more susceptible to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances and can even cause death need receive! Of electrolytes stay hydrated if youre experiencing common symptoms of electrolyte imbalances body to. If dehydration is part of the cause, a doctor should monitor this process be... And electrolyte imbalances, it 's helpful to look at the electrolytes grouped.. Rehydrating with electrolyte drinks: Beneficial or not enough water stays inside cells and that too! They should make it run smoothly correct chronic mineral abnormalities in your body gets electrolyte imbalance body odor electrolytes grouped.! Of foods, check the sodium levels include: There are different types of sweat are... This water will resolve after the underlying causes of electrolyte imbalances can be caused electrolyte imbalance body odor sweat glands eccrine... Children with cancer who have had a bone marrow transplant or take certain chemotherapy medications are often... Painful afflictions sodium chloride to rehydrate your body 's fluid balance 's too much water in their.... And thirst are classic signs that someone is dehydrated or underlying health conditions should not try home remedies to about. Signs and symptoms of electrolyte imbalances factually accurate information or your food your is! Or tingling transplant surgery pioneers for liver, pancreas, kidney stones, bladder infections, urinary tract stones potentially.