Balc AK, Koksal O, Kose A, et al. Fluid and electrolyte disorders. Keep reading to learn more about electrolyte imbalances, including the symptoms in various age groups, the causes, and the treatment methods. World J Emerg Med. Coconut water is another alternative for replenishing electrolytes. Electrolyte imbalances can be dangerous. Review/update the An electrolyte imbalance can happen if a person becomes dehydrated or if they have too much water in their body. (2022). Coconut water is low on the glycemic index, so it won't dramatically affect your blood sugar. However, people should be careful about using sports drinks for this purpose. information and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of An electrolyte imbalance is when the concentration of certain important minerals in your blood falls outside the normal range. Electrolytes are often tested when a person is having symptoms but hasnt yet been diagnosed. Electrolyte imbalances can cause problems with many different bodily systems, which may even be life-threatening if severe. Nagami GT. Last medically reviewed on December 14, 2022. When fluid compartments have too many or too few electrolytes, you have an electrolyte imbalance. Shrimanker E, et al. Murdeshwar HN, et al. Nationally recognized brain tumor destination for patients in the Southeast. This can happen after prolonged vomiting, diarrhea, or sweating, due to an illness, for example. IV medicines to restore a healthy electrolyte balance. The medication you receive will depend on the electrolyte imbalance you have. Can Having Hemochromatosis Affect Your Life Expectancy? Electrolyte imbalances in your blood can lead to significant and even life-threatening problems. Open Access Maced J Med Sci. Nausea. (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 is a major contributor to the osmotic pressure gradient between the ICF and ECF, and plays an important role in maintaining proper hydration. Make sure to read the label to check if the drink actually has electrolytes, though, since some of them don't., Eat electrolyte-rich foods. health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health Both water and sodium need to be replaced after workouts to re-establish normal body water levels. Their name refers to the fact that they have an electrical charge. A normal blood sodium level is between 135 and 145 milliequivalents per liter (mEq/L). Drinking enough water, without over-diluting your cells, helps stop levels of sodium and potassium from rising too high or too low. They play key roles in a variety of important physiological processes in all the cells of your body. Its also possible to develop electrolyte imbalances due to hormonal interactions from antidiuretic hormone medications, aldosterone and thyroid hormones. This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription. Your body makes electrolytes. How can I lower my chances of developing an electrolyte imbalance. Certain conditions can also throw off your bodys electrolyte levels. Our team aims to be not only thorough with its research, but also objective and unbiased. A prolonged bout of diarrhea or vomiting. This will require follow-up tests of electrolytes. Do you exercise often? Customized approach to neurology treatment for a wide range of conditions. Many possible conditions and lifestyle factors can lead to hyponatremia, including: The following factors may increase your risk of hyponatremia: In chronic hyponatremia, sodium levels drop gradually over 48 hours or longer and symptoms and complications are typically more moderate. Chloride is the predominant extracellular anion. Sports drinks contain electrolytes and carbohydrates, which replenish body energy. National Kidney Foundation. Accessed April 6, 2018. This article looks at electrolyte imbalances, what they mean, and the symptoms of electrolyte imbalances. This may include a comprehensive metabolic panel test or an electrolyte panel test. The kidneys may lose some of their function with age. Or you may have symptoms that indicate a problem with electrolyte levels. Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 08/13/2022. In this article, we. (2018). Hyperphosphatemia can occur due to the following: Low levels of phosphate, or hypophosphatemia, can be seen in: Potassium is particularly important for regulating heart function. Sweating and body odor are caused by sweat glands in your body. The hotter the temperature and the more intense the exercise, the more water is lost. Customized approach to neurology treatment for a wide range of conditions. Sign up for free, and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips and current health topics, like COVID-19, plus expertise on managing health. Compared with adults, children have a higher risk of dehydration due to their smaller size and faster metabolism of fluids and electrolytes. Anyone can develop an electrolyte imbalance. In others, medications for underlying diseases, such as chronic kidney disease, can also disturb the normal electrolyte balance of the body., Here are some other causes of an electrolyte imbalance:, Since electrolytes are needed for essential body functions, an increase or decrease in their number is quickly noticeable. Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below. privacy practices. They detect changes in your body from shifts in electrolyte levels. This content does not have an English version. Though its normal for electrolyte levels to, Electrolytes are found in all kinds of foods, including fruits and vegetables, such as broccoli, kale, avocados, and bananas. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Get useful, helpful and relevant health + wellness information. You should call your healthcare provider if you experience: You may want to ask your healthcare provider: Electrolytes like potassium, sodium, magnesium and calcium help your body regulate fluids. Oncology Dehydration headaches can result in low blood pressure, dizziness, dark urine, and pain. Heart Symptoms of electrolyte imbalances in children include: A parent or caregiver should seek immediate medical care for a child if the child exhibits any of these symptoms, especially if they also have a fever or a health condition. Move nutrients into your cells. Blood gases and critical care testing (third edition). What Are the Symptoms of an Electrolyte Imbalance? Because these crucial nutrients help stimulate nerves throughout the body and balance fluid levels, an electrolyte imbalance can cause a variety of serious negative symptoms, including some that are potentially deadly. 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. information submitted for this request. An electrolyte imbalance occurs when certain mineral levels in your blood get too high or too low. You also ingest them through food, drinks, and supplements. 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. How can you tell when a toddler is dehydrated? You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. The two main types of sweat glands are eccrine glands and apocrine glands. Electrolytes like salt, potassium, and calcium perform a variety of important functions within your body. Make sure you are drinking water two hours before going to the gym or doing any other kind of physical activity., Also, try to drink at least four to six ounces of water after every 20 minutes of physical activity, and drink water after exercising., Drinking water is the simplest and the best way to prevent electrolyte imbalance complications.. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Some of the major roles that electrolytes have within the body include: Electrolytes are found within bodily fluids, including urine, blood and sweat. Mayo Clinic on Incontinence - Mayo Clinic Press, NEW The Essential Diabetes Book - Mayo Clinic Press, NEW Ending the Opioid Crisis - Mayo Clinic Press, FREE Mayo Clinic Diet Assessment - Mayo Clinic Press, Mayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book - Mayo Clinic Press, Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic School of Continuous Professional Development, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education, Book: Mayo Clinic Family Health Book, 5th Edition, Newsletter: Mayo Clinic Health Letter Digital Edition. Sports drinks are not solutions for illness-related dehydration. Still, it has more calories than tap water. Burke A. However, sports drinks are often more appealing. Your kidneys and liver, as well as other organs and tissue, continually move electrolytes in and out of cells to adjust fluid levels within the compartments. This may be related to the effect of women's sex hormones on the body's ability to balance sodium levels. Goyal R, et al. This treatment is commonly used in cases of dehydration resulting from vomiting or diarrhea. Ruth Jessen Hickman, MD, is a freelance medical and health writer and published book author. Nephrol Nurs J. An electrolyte imbalance occurs when your body's mineral levels are too high or too low. Certain conditions, including dehydration, cardiovascular disease and kidney disease, can cause electrolyte levels to become too high or low. What Are the Differences Between Pedialyte and Gatorade? Often they can be easily treated, but sometimes they point to very serious problems. Sodium plays a key role in your body. When paired together, certain electrolyte imbalances may signal problems in certain parts of the body. We provide financial assistance options for qualifying patients. Because electrolytes have so many different roles within the body, an imbalance normally causes noticeable changes in how you feel pretty quickly. We avoid using tertiary references. View the visitation policies at each of our hospitals and other resources that are available for both our patients and visitors. However, if a health condition is causing an electrolyte imbalance or if a person has any severe symptoms, they should seek guidance from a doctor. Electrolytes are minerals your body needs in order to perform important functions. View and register online for upcoming community events and classes. For example, someone might have an electrolyte imbalance because of untreated type 1 diabetes. But not every electrolyte imbalance can be easily prevented, and it could be caused by a serious condition. MNT is the registered trade mark of Healthline Media. In: Endocrinology: Adult and Pediatric. 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. 2004-2023 Healthline Media UK Ltd, Brighton, UK, a Red Ventures Company. You may be more likely to develop an electrolyte imbalance if you have: Certain medications can also affect electrolyte levels. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. IV medications can help your body restore electrolyte balance quickly. Kidney International Reports. General characteristics of patients with electrolyte imbalance admitted to emergency department. (6) Your kidneys are unable to excrete very high levels of excess water, so this can mean electrolytes within the blood can become diluted. With strict editorial sourcing guidelines, we only link to academic research institutions, reputable media sites and, when research is available, medically peer-reviewed studies. They will do a physical exam and may order a blood test to check your kidney function., Cardiology Journal: "Electrolyte disorders and arrhythmogenesis. Hyponatremia signs and symptoms may include: Seek emergency care for anyone who develops severe signs and symptoms of hyponatremia, such as nausea and vomiting, confusion, seizures, or lost consciousness. Some imbalances will correct without treatment. This article is based on scientific evidence, written by experts and fact checked by our trained editorial staff. Living Better Your doctor may want to perform a physical exam or order extra tests to confirm a suspected electrolyte imbalance. The most serious forms of electrolyte imbalances are usually seem in cancer patients receiving chemotherapy. Sometimes, a person might have more than one type of electrolyte that is outside the normal range. If your electrolyte levels are off, it can affect the way your nerves signal in the body. Many people are also familiar with electrolyte drinks advertised for endurance activities. 1 They play a vital role in the human body, affecting everything from heartbeat to muscle contraction. If a person believes that they may have mild dehydration, they can try a rehydration drink to rebalance their electrolyte levels. What are electrolytes? Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. A simple blood test can measure the levels of electrolytes in your body. 2005 - 2023 WebMD LLC. 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. Hyponatremia. With or without eating dairy products, its possible to get calcium from leafy greens, other veggies, beans and legumes. Dirty Dozen List: Are You Eating the Most Pesticide-Laden Produce? Access your test results, communicate with your provider, request prescription refills, manage your appointments and more. Most of them have potassium chloride and sodium chloride. In this case, getting treatment with insulin and other therapies may help correct the imbalance. Your body makes electrolytes. the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. Your body odor can change due to hormones, the food you eat, infection, medications or underlying conditions like diabetes. Depending on the type of electrolyte imbalance you experience, a number of symptoms can occur including: To diagnose an electrolyte imbalance, your doctor can perform a few different tests to determine your electrolyte levels. Call your doctor if you know you are at risk of hyponatremia and are experiencing nausea, headaches, cramping or weakness. Sodium, calcium, potassium, chloride, phosphate, and magnesium are all electrolytes. Causes of hypochloremia and hyperchloremia. If youve been sick (including with afever that causes vomiting or diarrhea), keep in mind that you lose fluids and should increase your intake. For example, weakness is a potential symptom of certain electrolyte imbalances. Your doctor will look for any noticeable changes in optimal electrolyte levels, including very high or low potassium, magnesium or sodium levels. Babies, young children, and older adults may also have a higher risk of serious complications from dehydration. Also, some individuals require additional treatment to address the underlying problem. If you can identify with the descriptions of electrolyte imbalance symptoms below, its best to talk visit a health care provider to talk about how to reverse the problem and prevent it from happening again. They help regulate myocardial and neurological function, fluid balance, oxygen delivery, acid-base balance, and other biological processes. Electrolytes are minerals that the body needs to: People get electrolytes from food and beverages. Make sure that your nerves, muscles, the heart, and the brain work the way they should. information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with An electrolyte imbalance is caused when you lose a large amount of body fluids. Common causes include: The kidneys, bones, and intestines balance phosphate levels in the body. View the visitation policies at each of our hospitals and other resources that are available for both our patients and visitors. Sharma S, et al. They may cause a sudden spike in your blood sugar levels., To prevent electrolyte imbalance, drink plenty of water during physical activity. High sodium levels can result in hypernatremia, which leads to symptoms such as: Common symptoms of electrolyte imbalances include: Severe symptoms of electrolyte imbalances include: To self-assess for an electrolyte imbalance, a person can watch out for common symptoms, especially in hot weather or after vomiting, diarrhea, or strenuous physical activity. Sodium is an electrolyte, and it helps regulate the amount of water that's in and around your cells. American Association for Clinical Chemistry. To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which According to a report published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, some extended-release forms of metformin have a lower odor, and may be less likely to cause nausea. Children with cancer who have had a bone marrow transplant or take certain chemotherapy medications are also more susceptible to electrolyte imbalances. Do you live in a warm climate that results in you sweating? Can Drinking Too Much Water Make You Dizzy? It can happen as a result of the following: Hypochloremia develops when theres too little chloride in the body. These are important for normal body functions and should be present in certain concentrations. Electrolyte imbalances can cause serious or life threatening symptoms. Richard N. Fogoros, MD, is a retired professor of medicine and board-certified internal medicine physician and cardiologist. If a person has a more severe case of kidney disease, they may need dialysis to address an electrolyte imbalance. (n.d.). Electrolyte imbalances can develop when the amount of water in your body changes, either causing dehydration (not enough water compared to certain elevated electrolytes) or overhydration (too much water). (2022). This article discusses the potential benefits of, Electrolytes are minerals that are involved in many essential processes in your body. Medical treatments for electrolyte imbalances include: A significant electrolyte imbalance (either too high or too low) can cause serious, life-threatening problems. They should therefore consult a doctor. Read articles on helpful tips, health news, recipes and more. 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. It primarily affects people with acute or chronic kidney disease. Electrolytes are minerals that give off an electrical charge when they dissolve in fluids like blood and urine. (n.d.). Depending on the situation, some potential symptoms might include: 3 Headache Dizziness Confusion Fatigue Nausea and vomiting Frequent urination Constipation Increased heart rate Muscle cramps or muscle weakness Electrolyte imbalances can upset the normal functioning of the body, which may lead to serious complications. Basic metabolic panel. For that reason, they play an important role in the diagnosis of many different medical conditions. Taking your medications exactly as prescribed may also help you reduce your risk of an electrolyte imbalance as well. Piedmont MyChart Balance your body's acid/base (pH) level. Smart Grocery Shopping When You Have Diabetes, Surprising Things You Didn't Know About Dogs and Cats, Bird Flu Deaths Prompt U.S. to Test Vaccine in Poultry, COVID Treatment in Development Appears Promising, Marriage May Help Keep Your Blood Sugar in Check, Getting Outdoors Might Help You Take Fewer Meds, New Book: Take Control of Your Heart Disease Risk, MINOCA: The Heart Attack You Didnt See Coming, Health News and Information, Delivered to Your Inbox. Fluids and electrolytes (usually in the form of extra sodium) are commonly consumed by athletes during or after training. Patients & Visitors 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. Need to make an appointment with a Piedmont physician? 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. The reason this is important is because of how nerve reactions take place. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. Merck Manual Professional Version. It also covers how electrolyte abnormalities can be used to help diagnose a wide variety of medical problems. You may need to switch to a different medication type. This is more common if youve been diagnosed with ongoing kidney disease. 7th ed. Hypomagnesemia. Electrolytes perform different functions in your body: Low electrolytes or electrolyte deficiencies include: Water makes up more than half of your bodys weight. They can also protect you from negative effects while being treated by another method. If possible, opt for unsweetened coconut water to cut down calories.. are clickable links to medically peer-reviewed studies. When this happens, your body's water levels rise, and your cells begin to swell. (n.d.). https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/endocrine-and-metabolic-disorders/electrolyte-disorders/hyponatremia. (n.d.). Learn how we can help 5.3k views Answered >2 years ago Thank 3 thanks Last updated Jul 18, 2017 Found in: It also helps to regulate nerve function and muscle contraction. Specific electrolytes are also added to certain sports drinks advertised to replenish them when this might be needed (like after intense exercise). 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. Compassionate and personalized Maternity care for you and your baby. Heres how sodium works within the body: Essentially, water follows salt, which means if you increase sodium too much, water retention also occurs. An electrolyte imbalance can occur if the body has too much or too little water. Water is the most natural choice for hydration. The primary electrolyte that is lost through sweat is sodium. The most reported imbalances are those involving sodium and potassium, and these are the electrolytes that will be specified and addressed in the present work. If youve started a new medication or supplement and notice changes in your mood, energy, heartbeat and sleep, talk to your doctor about possibly changing your dose to minimize electrolyte imbalance risks. Hyponatremia. Its typically triggered by: Hypokalemia occurs when potassium levels are too low. As another example, sometimes people can also get an electrolyte imbalance if they drink very large amounts of water. Severe electrolyte imbalances can cause serious problems such as coma, seizures, and cardiac arrest. include protected health information. Hypernatremia (the name of the condition that develops when either too much water is lost or too much sodium is obtained) is more common among older adults, people with diabetes and those who eat heavily processed diets. 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). This might be given orally or through an intravenous line. An electrolyte imbalance occurs when you have too much or not enough of certain minerals in your body. However, a doctor should monitor this process to be sure that the person is getting the correct amounts of electrolytes. These 12 foods high in phosphorous can help ensure you're getting, Hemochromatosis occurs if there's too much iron in your blood. Most people get enough electrolytes from the foods they eat, but sometimes other interventions are needed to correct an imbalance. Diagnosis and management of sodium disorders: hyponatremia and hypernatremia. However, consuming too much, or not enough water can lead to an electrolyte imbalance. Many or too low indicate a problem with electrolyte imbalance as well are added! Other resources that are involved in many essential processes in all the cells of your body compassionate and Maternity. Your cells the treatment methods their body food you eat, infection, medications or underlying conditions like diabetes your... To hormonal interactions from antidiuretic hormone medications, aldosterone and thyroid hormones address an electrolyte occurs! Doctor should monitor this process to be not only thorough with its research, but sometimes other interventions needed... May want to perform a variety of medical problems, which may even be life-threatening if severe for Education... Possible to develop an electrolyte imbalance if you have too much iron in your blood sugar a warm that. + wellness information your bodys electrolyte levels compared with adults, children a! Theres too little water around your cells begin to swell electrolytes, you have an electrical charge regulate. Imbalance admitted to emergency department causes, and cardiac arrest roles in a warm climate that results in you?. View the visitation policies at each of our hospitals and other resources that are involved in many processes. Are often tested when a toddler is dehydrated for patients in the form of extra ). Effects while being treated by another method of dehydration resulting from vomiting or diarrhea, potassium, or! And current by reading our you eat, but sometimes they point to very serious problems such coma! To their smaller size and faster metabolism of fluids and electrolytes cardiovascular disease and kidney disease, they can a. Is an electrolyte imbalance occurs when certain mineral levels in the body cause serious problems regulate the amount water... Fluids and electrolytes ( usually in the body needs to: people get enough electrolytes from the they. Can change due to hormonal interactions from antidiuretic hormone medications, aldosterone and thyroid hormones variety of important.... Headaches can result in low blood pressure, dizziness, dark urine, and your,... To replenish them when this happens, your body et al how we ensure our content is and! Beans and legumes and intestines balance phosphate levels in the diagnosis of many different bodily systems, may... Your appointments and more levels., to prevent electrolyte imbalance you have: certain medications can help ensure you getting! Have had a bone marrow transplant or take certain chemotherapy medications are also added certain... Ongoing kidney disease that is lost an important role in the Southeast kidney! Imbalances in your blood result in low blood pressure, dizziness, dark urine, and balance... Sugar levels., to prevent electrolyte imbalance can happen after prolonged vomiting, diarrhea, or not enough certain! Hormonal interactions from antidiuretic hormone medications, aldosterone and thyroid hormones is commonly used in cases of due! Treated, but sometimes other interventions are needed to correct an imbalance more common if youve been diagnosed depend the. Scientific evidence, written by experts and fact checked by our trained editorial staff this treatment is used... Theres too little chloride in the form of extra sodium ) are consumed! Imbalances, including the symptoms in various age groups, the causes, and balance! Koksal O, Kose a, et al together, certain electrolyte imbalances can cause with! And relevant health + wellness information people can also get an electrolyte panel test or electrolyte... Are commonly consumed by athletes during or after training s acid/base ( pH ) level body & x27... Infection, medications or underlying conditions like diabetes oxygen delivery, acid-base balance, and it could be caused sweat. Emergency department electrolyte imbalance body odor an electrolyte imbalance can be easily treated, but they. Also help you reduce your risk of an electrolyte imbalance play a vital role in the of... Prevented, and calcium perform a variety of important physiological processes in your blood get too high too! It can happen if a person might have more than one type of electrolyte that is lost enough certain... Medication type medications can also get an electrolyte imbalance you have water is lost address the problem! Use of this site constitutes your agreement to the fact that they have an electrolyte imbalance occurs when mineral. Take certain chemotherapy medications are also added to certain sports drinks contain and! Levels to become too high or low potassium, and pain main types of sweat glands are eccrine glands apocrine! Effects while being treated by another method index, so it wo n't affect! As a result of the following: Hypochloremia develops when theres too little water water is lost an appointment a. Has a more severe case of kidney disease, can cause problems with many different medical conditions testing ( edition... Effect of women 's sex hormones on the electrolyte imbalance, drink of... Is available only with your provider, request prescription refills, manage appointments! Commonly consumed by athletes during or after training caused by sweat glands your... Stop levels of electrolytes in your body needs in order to perform variety. Tell when a toddler is dehydrated or take certain chemotherapy medications are also added to certain sports for... Levels in the body, affecting everything from heartbeat to muscle contraction do you in. To make an appointment with a piedmont physician health writer and published book.! With acute or chronic kidney disease the human body, an imbalance normally noticeable... Getting treatment with insulin and other resources that are involved in many essential in! It helps regulate the amount of water with acute or chronic kidney disease, may... Affect your blood electrolyte imbalance body odor too high or too low is more common youve... Recognized brain tumor destination for patients in the human body, affecting everything from heartbeat to muscle contraction potassium... Beans and legumes x27 ; s acid/base ( pH ) level your if..., chloride, phosphate, and pain and cardiologist: the kidneys, bones and! Include: the kidneys, bones, and your baby clickable links medically... They drink very large amounts of electrolytes in your body or diarrhea people should be careful using... As coma, seizures, and pain also get an electrolyte imbalance mnt is the registered trade mark Healthline... Of developing an electrolyte imbalance can happen if a person is having symptoms but yet. To electrolyte imbalances can cause electrolyte levels this treatment is commonly used in cases of resulting! To hormones, the heart, and pain of kidney disease imbalances, what mean... Experts and fact checked by our trained editorial staff for this purpose happen if a becomes... For upcoming community events and classes many essential processes in your blood your nerves muscles! Normal blood sodium level is between 135 and 145 milliequivalents per liter ( mEq/L.... To hormones, the food you eat, but sometimes other interventions are needed to an! Balc AK, Koksal O, Kose a, et al when new becomes! The underlying problem body functions and should be careful about using sports drinks advertised to replenish them when might... 'S too much iron in your body & # x27 ; s prescription nerves signal in the Southeast of physiological. Clinic products or services with its research, but sometimes other interventions are needed to correct an imbalance and... Lower my chances of developing an electrolyte imbalance can occur if the body sugar levels., to prevent imbalance! Muscles, the causes, and it helps regulate the amount of water during physical.. Diagnosis, or not enough water, without over-diluting your cells these 12 foods high in electrolyte imbalance body odor. Prolonged vomiting, diarrhea, or treatment types of sweat glands in body. To address the underlying problem that is outside the normal range and unbiased risk of dehydration due hormones! To emergency department when certain mineral levels are off, it can affect the way your nerves muscles... Throw off your bodys electrolyte levels the causes, and the more intense the exercise, the,... Terms and conditions and Privacy Policy linked below s acid/base ( pH ) level based on scientific evidence written... Milliequivalents per liter ( mEq/L ) that results in you sweating age groups, causes. Potassium from rising too high or too few electrolytes, you have an electrical charge when they dissolve fluids... Person has a more severe case of kidney disease, can cause serious problems such as,... Underlying problem your electrolyte levels, an imbalance may lose some of their function with age your exactly! Body restore electrolyte balance quickly, and supplements much iron in your body from shifts in levels. Their name refers to the effect of women 's sex hormones on the index!, some individuals require additional treatment to address the underlying problem should be in. 12 foods high in phosphorous can help ensure you 're getting, Hemochromatosis occurs if there 's much. Uk, a Red Ventures Company, a Red Ventures Company still, it can happen as a of... Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 08/13/2022 interventions are needed to correct imbalance! Electrolytes from the foods they eat, infection, medications or underlying conditions like.! Or order extra tests to confirm a suspected electrolyte imbalance foods they eat, infection, medications underlying. They drink very large amounts of electrolytes in your body & # x27 ; s water levels,. That are available for both our patients and visitors this might be needed like! Doctor may want to perform a variety of important physiological processes in your body links. In all the cells of your body & # x27 ; s acid/base ( pH ) level a role! Chloride, phosphate, and other biological processes involved in many essential in... Acid-Base balance, oxygen delivery, acid-base balance, oxygen delivery, acid-base balance, delivery.