www.healthline.com/health/electrolyte-disorders "All About Electrolyte Imbalance
Causes
Types
Symptoms
Treatment
Diagnosis
Risk factors
Takeaway
Electrolytes are minerals that control important physiologic functions of the body. An electrolyte imbalance occurs when your bodyâs mineral levels are too high or too low. This can negatively affect vital body systems.
Electrolytes must be evenly balanced for your body to function properly. Severe electrolyte imbalances can cause serious problems such as coma, seizures, and cardiac arrest.
Understanding electrolyte imbalance and disorders
Electrolytes are present in your blood, bodily fluids, and urine. You also ingest them through food, drinks, and supplements.
Examples of electrolytes include:
calcium
chloride
magnesium
phosphate
potassium
sodium
A loss of bodily fluids most often causes an electrolyte imbalance. This can happen after prolonged vomiting, diarrhea, or sweating, due to an illness, for example. It can also be caused by:
fluid loss related to burns.
certain medications, such as diuretics
diseases such as acute or chronic kidney disease, heart problems, lung disorders, and more
The exact cause may vary depending on the specific type of electrolyte imbalance
Types of electrolyte imbalance
Elevated levels of an electrolyte are indicated with the prefix âhyper-.â Depleted levels of an electrolyte are indicated with âhypo-.â
Conditions caused by electrolyte level imbalances include:
Calcium: hypercalcemia and hypocalcemia
Chloride: hyperchloremia and hypochloremia
Magnesium: hypermagnesemia and hypomagnesemia
Phosphate: hyperphosphatemia or hypophosphatemia
Potassium: hyperkalemia and hypokalemia
Sodium: hypernatremia and hyponatremia
Calcium
Calcium is a vital mineral that your body uses to stabilize blood pressure and control skeletal muscle contraction. Itâs also used to build strong bones and teeth.
Hypercalcemia occursTrusted Source when you have too much calcium in the blood. This is usually caused by the following:
kidney disease
hyperparathyroidism
lung diseases, such as tuberculosis or sarcoidosis
certain types of cancer, including lung and breast cancers
excessive use of antacids and calcium or vitamin D supplements
medications such as lithium, theophylline, or certain water pills
Hypocalcemia occursTrusted Source due to a lack of adequate calcium in the bloodstream. Causes can include:
kidney failure
hypoparathyroidism
vitamin D deficiency
pancreatitis
prostate cancer
malabsorption
certain medications, includingTrusted Source chemotherapy drugs, osteoporosis drugs, and certain diuretic and anti-convulsant drugs
Chloride
Chloride is necessary for maintaining the proper balance of bodily fluids.
Hyperchloremia occurs when thereâs too much chloride in the body. It can happen as a result of the following:
severe dehydration
kidney failure
metabolic acidosis
Hypochloremia develops when thereâs too little chloride in the body. Causes include:
Other causes can include:
metabolic alkalosis
diuretics
chronic respiratory acidosis
extreme fluid loss such as from vomiting or diarrhea
Magnesium
Magnesium is a critical mineral that regulates many important functions, such as:
muscle contraction
heart rhythm
nerve function
Hypermagnesemia meansTrusted Source excess amounts of magnesium. It primarily affects people with acute or chronic kidney disease. Addisonâs disease and hypothyroidism are also risk factorsTrusted Source for hypermagnesemia because these conditions increase the absorption of magnesium into the bloodstream.
Hypomagnesemia means having too littleTrusted Source magnesium in the body. Common causes include:
alcohol use disorder
malnutrition
malabsorption
diarrhea
certain medications, including some diuretics and antibiotics
Phosphate
The kidneys, bones, and intestines balance phosphate levels in the body. Phosphate is necessary for various functions and interacts closely with calcium.
Hyperphosphatemia can occurTrusted Source due to the following:
chronic kidney disease
severe breathing difficulties
underactive parathyroid glands
severe muscle injury
tumor lysis syndrome, a complication of cancer treatment
excessive use of phosphate-containing laxatives
Low levels of phosphate, or hypophosphatemia, can beTrusted Source seen in:
acute alcohol abuse
severe burns
refeeding syndrome
vitamin D deficiency
overactive parathyroid glands
certain medications, such as some antacids
Potassium
Potassium is particularly important for regulating heart function. It also helps maintain healthy nerves and muscles.
Hyperkalemia may developTrusted Source due to high levels of potassium. This condition can be fatal if left undiagnosed and untreated. Itâs typically triggered by:
severe dehydration
kidney failure
severe acidosis, including diabetic ketoacidosis
certain medications, including some blood pressure medications and diuretics
adrenal insufficiency, which is when your cortisol levels are too low
Hypokalemia occursTrusted Source when potassium levels are too low. This happens as a result of the following:
eating disorders
severe vomiting or diarrhea
certain medications, including laxatives, diuretics, and corticosteroids
Sodium
Sodium is necessary for the body to maintain fluid balance and is critical for appropriate body function. It also helps to regulate nerve function and muscle contraction.
Hypernatremia occursTrusted Source when thereâs too much sodium in the blood. Abnormally high levels of sodium are often caused by severe dehydration, which can be caused by:
inadequate water consumption
excessive loss of bodily fluids as a result of prolonged vomiting, diarrhea, or sweating
Hyponatremia develops when thereâs too littleTrusted Source sodium. Common causes of low sodium levels include:
vomiting or diarrhea
poor nutrition
alcohol use disorder
overhydration
thyroid or adrenal disorders
liver, heart, or kidney failure
certain medications, including diuretics and seizure medications
syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone (SIADH)
Symptoms of electrolyte imbalance
There are different types of electrolyte imbalance, dependingTrusted Source on the compound thatâs out of balance.
Mild electrolyte imbalance may not cause any symptoms. This can go undetected until discovered during a routine blood test. Symptoms usually start to appear once a particular imbalance becomes more severe.
Not all electrolyte imbalances cause the same symptoms, but many share similar symptoms.
Possible symptoms of an electrolyte imbalance include:
agitation
dry mouth and thirst
restlessness
confusion or difficulty with cognition
muscle weakness or spasms
numbness or tingling
fatigue
heart palpitations
constipation
nausea or vomiting
slow or irregular heart rate
difficulty breathing
low or high blood pressure
itching
Call your doctor immediately if youâre experiencing any of these symptoms. Electrolyte disturbances can become life threatening if left untreated.
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Treating electrolyte imbalance
Treatment varies depending on the type of electrolyte imbalance and the underlying condition causing it.
Certain treatments are generally used to restore the proper balance of minerals in the body. These include:
Intravenous (IV) fluids
Intravenous (IV) fluids, typically containing sodium chloride, can help rehydrate the body. This treatment is commonly used in cases of dehydration resulting from vomiting or diarrhea. Electrolyte supplements can be added to IV fluids to correct deficiencies.
Certain IV medications
IV medications can help your body restore electrolyte balance quickly. They can also protect you from negative effects while being treated by another method.
The medication you receive will depend on the electrolyte imbalance you have. Medications that may be administered include calcium gluconate, magnesium sulfate, and potassium chloride.
Oral medications and supplements
Oral medications and supplements are often used to correct chronic mineral abnormalities in your body. This is more common if youâve been diagnosed with ongoing kidney disease.
Depending on your electrolyte imbalance, you may receive medications or supplements such as:
calcium (gluconate, carbonate, citrate, or lactate)
magnesium oxide
potassium chloride
phosphate binders, which include sevelamer hydrochloride (Renagel), lanthanum (Fosrenol), and calcium-based treatments such as calcium carbonate
These can help replace depleted electrolytes on a short- or long-term basis, depending on the underlying cause of your disorder. To correct the imbalance, your doctor will usually treat the underlying cause.
Hemodialysis
Hemodialysis is a type of dialysis that uses a machine to remove waste from your blood.
One way to get the blood to flow to this artificial kidney is for your doctor to surgically create a vascular access, or an entrance point, into your blood vessels.
This entrance point will allowTrusted Source a larger amount of blood to flow through your body during hemodialysis treatment. This means more blood can be filtered and purified.
Hemodialysis can be used to treat an electrolyte imbalance. Your doctor may also decide on hemodialysis treatment if the electrolyte problem has become life threatening.
Diagnosing electrolyte imbalance
A simple blood test can measure the levels of electrolytes in your body. A blood test that looks at your kidney function is important as well.
Your doctor may want to perform a physical exam or order extra tests to confirm a suspected electrolyte imbalance. These additional tests will vary depending on the condition in question.
For example, hypernatremia (too much sodium) can cause skin elasticity loss due to significant dehydration. Your doctor can perform a pinch test to determine whether dehydration affects you.
An electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG), an electrical tracing of your heart, may also be useful to check for any irregular heartbeats, rhythms, or ECG or EKG changes brought on by electrolyte problems.
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Risk factors for electrolyte disorders
Anyone can develop an electrolyte imbalance. Certain people are at an increased risk because of their medical history. Conditions that increase your risk for an electrolyte imbalance include:
alcohol use disorder
cirrhosis
congestive heart failure
kidney disease
eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia
physical trauma such as severe burns or broken bones
thyroid disorders
adrenal gland disorders
Takeaway
An electrolyte imbalance happens when thereâs too much or not enough of one or more important minerals in your body. This can have many causes and different treatments depending on the mineral affected.
It is a good idea to do your best to stay hydrated if youâre experiencing prolonged vomiting, diarrhea, or sweating. If medications or underlying conditions cause the electrolyte imbalance, your doctor will adjust your medication and treat the cause. This will help prevent future electrolyte imbalances.
But not every electrolyte imbalance can be easily prevented, and it could be caused by a serious condition. Visit your doctor if youâre experiencing common symptoms of an electrolyte imbalance.
Last medically reviewed on December 14, 2022
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Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.
Current Version
Dec 15, 2022
Written By
Kimberly Holland
Edited By
Alina Sharon
Medically Reviewed By
Adam Bernstein, MD, ScD
Copy Edited By
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Apr 29, 2019
Written By
Kimberly Holland
Medically Reviewed By
Alana Biggers, MD, MPH
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Medically reviewed by Adam Bernstein, MD, ScD â By Kimberly Holland â Updated on Dec 15, 2022
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Fluids in your body
Athletes have been swigging electrolyte replenishers since 1965. That was the year a Florida Gators coach asked doctors why his players were wilting so quickly in the heat. Their answer? The players were losing too many electrolytes. Their solution was to invent Gatorade. So, what are electrolytes and why are they important?
Water and electrolytes are essential to your health. At birth, your body is about 75 to 80 percent water. By the time youâre an adult, the percentage of water in your body drops to approximately 60 percent if youâre male and 55 percent if youâre female. The volume of water in your body will continue to decrease as you age.
Fluid in your body contains things such as cells, proteins, glucose, and electrolytes. Electrolytes come from the food and liquids you consume. Salt, potassium, calcium, and chloride are examples of electrolytes.
Electricity and your body
Electrolytes take on a positive or negative charge when they dissolve in your body fluid. This enables them to conduct electricity and move electrical charges or signals throughout your body. These charges are crucial to many functions that keep you alive, including the operation of your brain, nerves, and muscles, and the creation of new tissue.
Each electrolyte plays a specific role in your body. The following are some of the most important electrolytes and their primary functions:
Sodium
helps control fluids in the body, impacting blood pressure
necessary for muscle and nerve function
Chloride
helps balance electrolytes
helps balance electrolytes
balances acidity and alkalinity, which helps maintain a healthy pH
essential to digestion
Potassium
regulates your heart and blood pressure
helps balance electrolytes
aids in transmitting nerve impulses
contributes to bone health
necessary for muscle contraction
Magnesium
important to the production of DNA and RNA
contributes to nerve and muscle function
helps maintain heart rhythm
helps regulate blood glucose levels
enhances your immune system
Calcium
key component of bones and teeth
important to the movement of nerve impulses and muscle movement
contributes to blood clotting
Phosphate
strengthens bones and teeth
helps cells produce the energy needed for tissue growth and repair
Bicarbonate
helps your body maintain a healthy pH
regulates heart function
When electrolytes become unbalanced
Fluids are found inside and outside the cells of your body. The levels of these fluids should be fairly consistent. On average, about 40 percent of your body weight is from fluids inside the cells and 20 percent of your body weight is from fluids outside the cells. Electrolytes help your body juggle these values in order to maintain a healthy balance inside and outside your cells.
Itâs normal for electrolyte levels to fluctuate. Sometimes, though, your electrolyte levels can become imbalanced. This can result in your body creating too many or not enough minerals or electrolytes. A number of things can cause an electrolyte imbalance, including:
fluid loss from heavy exercise or physical activity
vomiting and diarrhea
medications such as diuretics, antibiotics, and chemotherapy drugs
alcoholism and cirrhosis
heart failure
kidney disease
diabetes
eating disorders
severe burns
some forms of cancer
Preventing electrolyte imbalance
The International Marathon Medical Directorâs Association offers the following guidelines for maintaining good hydration and electrolyte balance during activity:
If your urine is clear to straw-colored before a race or workout, youâre well hydrated.
You should drink a sports drink containing electrolytes and carbohydrates if your sporting event or workout lasts longer than 30 minutes.
Drinking water with a sports drink decreases the beverageâs benefits.
Drink when youâre thirsty. Donât feel you must constantly replenish fluids.
Although the needs of each individual differ, a general rule of thumb is to limit fluids to 4â6 ounces every 20 minutes of a race.
Seek immediate medical advice if you lose more than 2 percent of your body weight or if you gain weight after running.
Serious emergencies from electrolyte imbalances are rare. But itâs important to your health and, if youâre an athlete, your performance to maintain a healthy electrolyte balance.
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Symptoms of electrolyte imbalance
Symptoms of electrolyte imbalance vary depending on which electrolytes are most affected. Common symptoms include:
nausea
lethargy
fluid retention
Call 911
Electrolyte imbalances can be life-threatening. Call 911 if someone has the following symptoms:
confusion or sudden change in behavior
severe muscle weakness
rapid or irregular heartbeat
seizures
chest pain
Treatment
Treatment is determined by the cause of the electrolyte imbalance, the severity of the imbalance, and by the type of electrolyte thatâs either in short supply or overabundant. Treatment options normally include either increasing or decreasing fluid intake. Mineral supplements may be given by mouth or intravenously if depleted.
Last medically reviewed on May 30, 2018
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Medically reviewed by Natalie Olsen, R.D., L.D., ACSM EP-C â By Susan York Morris â Updated on March 8, 2019
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25 Foods That Replenish Electrolytes
Food vs. drink
What are electrolytes?
Electrolyte imbalance
How to stay in balance
Takeaway
Electrolytes are minerals that carry an electrical charge. Theyâre vital for health and survival. Electrolytes spark cell function throughout the body.
They support hydration and help the body produce energy. Theyâre also responsible for stimulating muscle contractions, including those that keep your heart beating.
Prepared foods contain some types of electrolytes. So do certain whole foods, such as spinach, turkey, and oranges.
Foods with electrolytes include:
spinach
kale
avocados
broccoli
potatoes
beans
almonds
peanuts
soybeans
tofu
strawberries
watermelon
oranges
bananas
tomatoes
milk
buttermilk
yogurt
fish, such as flounder
turkey
chicken
veal
raisins
olives
canned foods, such as soups and vegetables
Food vs. drink
The amount of electrolytes you require on a daily basis varies and is based on several factors, including:
age
activity level
water consumption
climate
Most people get enough electrolytes from the daily foods and beverages they take in. In some instances, electrolyte beverages such as sports drinks may be a good way for you to quickly replace fluids, carbohydrates, and electrolytes that you lost during extreme activity.
Electrolytes leave the body through sweat and urine. If you sweat a lot, exercise in hot weather, or work out vigorously for more than an hour or two, you may benefit from drinking electrolyte beverages before, during, and after your workout.
People at risk for dehydration, such as those who have a high fever or diarrhea and vomiting, may also benefit from electrolyte beverages.
What are electrolytes?
Electrolytes are electrically charged minerals. In order for your cells, muscles, and organs to work properly, you need both fluids and electrolytes. Electrolytes help regulate the balance of fluid in the body. Types of electrolytes are:
sodium
phosphate
potassium
calcium
magnesium
chloride
bicarbonate
In addition to regulating fluids, electrolytes have many functions. These include:
transmitting nerve signals from the heart, muscles, and nerve cells to other cells
building new tissue
supporting blood clotting
keeping your heart beating by electrically stimulating muscle contractions
maintaining the bloodâs pH level
regulating the fluid level in blood plasma
What is electrolyte imbalance?
Electrolytes need to exist in the body within a specific range. If levels become too high or low, an electrolyte imbalance can occur. An imbalance may result from:
Dehydration. A rapid loss of bodily fluids caused by illness, burns, or excessive sweating can cause electrolyte imbalances if theyâre not replaced.
Kidney function. Certain conditions, such as chronic kidney disease or Addisonâs disease, can cause high levels of potassium. This can lead to a potentially dangerous condition called hyperkalemia.
Other conditions. People with type 1 diabetes, older individuals, and those with eating disorders, such as bulimia, may also be prone to getting an electrolyte imbalance.
Medications. Certain medications may cause this condition to occur, including:
chemotherapy drugs
beta-blockers
laxatives
corticosteroids
diuretics
Symptoms
If you have an electrolyte imbalance, you may experience some or all of these symptoms:
muscle cramps, spasms, or twitching
muscle weakness
irregular or fast heartbeat
headache
extreme thirst
numbness
fatigue or lethargy
confusion or disorientation
change in blood pressure
seizure
Symptoms may also show up slowly depending on which electrolyte level is too high or too low. For example, too little calcium may eventually lead to weakening bones and osteoporosis.
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How to stay in balance
Several strategies can help keep your electrolytes in balance:
Eat a balanced, healthy diet which includes foods that contain electrolytes.
Drink plenty of water, but donât overdo it. Drinking too much fluid can flush electrolytes out of your system.
Donât overuse over-the-counter diuretics or take them for a prolonged period of time without your doctorâs approval.
Donât overuse salt. Even though sodium is an electrolyte, eating too much can throw your system off balance.
Try to avoid strenuous outdoor exercise during the hottest times of day.
Donât exercise indoors without air conditioning, especially if you start to sweat profusely.
Replenish yourself with fluids such as water or sports drinks after several hours of strenuous activity, or after very intense workouts of shorter duration.
Talk to your doctor about the medications youâre taking, and ask if any of them can be replaced if youâre noticing an imbalance. Make sure to ask about both prescription and over-the-counter drugs.
The bottom line
Electrolytes are electrically charged minerals that help the body maintain optimal function. An electrolyte imbalance may occur for a wide range of reasons, and is often linked to dehydration or excessive sweating.
You can avoid electrolyte imbalance by eating a healthy diet and drinking enough water. If youâre an athlete, sports drinks may be a good way for you to quickly replenish your electrolyte levels..."
"Last medically reviewed on May 13, 2019"
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