For many of us, the only time we hear about electrolytes is when we’re choosing a sports drink. In those products, electrolytes help replace sodium and other minerals lost from exercise and sweat.
But our bodies don’t just need electrolytes for physical activity. These minerals play key roles in many important functions, and if our electrolyte levels are too low or too high, the resulting imbalance can cause serious problems.
Electrolyte imbalances can happen for lots of reasons but often result from kidney problems. Your kidneys filter your blood, and if they don’t function the way they should, they may remove too much or too little of one or more electrolytes during the filtering process.
At Houston Kidney Specialists Center, with locations in Houston and Cypress, Texas, our team helps diagnose the cause of electrolyte imbalances so they can be treated as soon as possible. In this post, learn what can happen if you develop an electrolyte imbalance.
Even if you’re not familiar with how electrolytes work in your body, you likely know the names of the most common electrolytes: calcium, sodium, potassium, magnesium, chloride, bicarbonate, and phosphate. All these minerals provide a tiny electrical charge when dissolved in fluids.
We derive electrolytes from the foods and beverages we consume. Potassium is found in bananas, potatoes, and beans. Dairy products and some leafy greens are good sources of calcium. You can find magnesium in leafy greens, too, along with nuts, seeds, and whole grains.
A healthy diet can help balance your electrolyte levels naturally. But if you have a problem with your kidneys or another underlying issue, like liver disease or thyroid problems, you can still develop an imbalance even if you're careful about what you eat and drink.
Electrolyte imbalances can be diagnosed with a simple blood test. We can also use the blood test to evaluate kidney function and other potential causes. An imbalance in your electrolyte levels can put you at risk of serious health issues, including:
Calcium and potassium play major roles in regulating heart activity. Imbalances in either of these electrolytes can cause disruptions in your heart’s normal rhythm, which can lead to heart attack, stroke, and other serious problems.
Electrolytes provide tiny bursts of electricity that help your muscles contract. An electrolyte imbalance might lead to frequent muscle cramps or spasms, muscle fatigue, and muscle weakness.
Your nerves depend on electrolytes to communicate with each other. Low levels of key minerals can hamper nerve activity, leading to confusion, moodiness, and even seizures.
You probably know calcium is important for healthy bones, and other electrolytes play key roles in bone health too. An electrolyte imbalance can cause a decrease in bone density, increasing your risk of fractures and osteoporosis.
Metabolism refers to how your body converts food into usable energy. Electrolytes play essential roles in metabolism, and imbalances can lead to digestion-related issues, including constipation and diarrhea.
Sodium and potassium help regulate blood pressure and blood volume. Imbalances in these minerals can result in blood pressure that’s too high or too low.
Electrolyte imbalances can be treated with dietary improvements or supplements, but imbalances related to underlying health issues require a different approach. Our team may recommend administering electrolytes using an IV to help rebalance your levels.
Prior to recommending any treatment, we perform a thorough exam, including blood tests, to diagnose the imbalance and its cause. Regular follow-up visits ensure your electrolyte levels stay in check to help prevent serious consequences.
Your body depends on electrolytes for many vital functions. If you suspect an electrolyte imbalance or have kidney disease and want to have your levels checked, call 281-429-8780 or request an appointment online with Houston Kidney Specialists Center today.
