Causes and treatment of electrolyte imbalance
A deficiency or overabundance of minerals in the body results in electrolyte imbalance. Read here to know all about electrolyte imbalance.
What are electrolytes?
Electrolytes are tiny chemicals present in the blood stream. They are essential for the body cells to function properly. Some of them like sodium and potassium help cells to generate energy and maintain the stability of cellular walls. Keeping the balance of electrolytes is critical for good health.
What is electrolyte imbalance?
As the fluid levels fluctuate in our body, electrolyte balance also changes. A deficiency or overabundance of minerals in the body results in electrolyte imbalance.
What causes electrolyte imbalance?
There are many reasons for electrolyte imbalance. Improper diet and lack of vitamins in food intake; hormonal disorders, loss of body fluids due to continued vomiting, loose-motions, high fever or sweating; kidney disease; certain kinds of medications and chemotherapy complications are some of them.
Symptoms of electrolyte imbalance
Some of the common indicators of Electrolyte imbalance are dizziness, trembling, fatigue and vomiting or nausea. Some other symptoms, which one may not connect to the imbalance, are muscle weakness, dry mouth and foul breath, dark urine, constipation and lack of perspiration. In case of prolonged imbalance, one may also experience rapid heart rate, sunken eyes and mental indicators like hallucinations, lethargy, confusion and delirium.
Treating electrolyte imbalance
The first step is to recognize the electrolyte imbalance and treating the root cause causing the imbalance. Make sure you visit your doctor and do not ignore prolonged symptoms of an imbalance.
Treating electrolyte imbalance
Slight electrolyte imbalances may be corrected by changing the diet to ensure necessary vitamins and minerals are consumed or avoided as per the body’s need.
Treating electrolyte imbalance
For severe imbalances, your doctor might suggest intravenous fluids or electrolyte replacement.
Taking care
A healthy, balanced diet taken at proper times, distressing – giving your mind a break from work and exercising – keeping your body fit are the keys steps to keeping yourself healthy at all times. And this applies equally to avoiding electrolyte imbalance in the body.
