Introduction
In this blog, we’ll take a look at what electrolytes are and how they work, symptoms of an electrolyte imbalance, how to check your electrolyte balance, understanding what can cause an electrolyte imbalance and how to fix this, as well as electrolytes in the elderly.
What are electrolytes and how do they work?
Electrolytes are salts and minerals which are found in your blood, including sodium, potassium, and chloride, as well as bicarbonates, magnesium, calcium, and phosphate. They are essential for your body to function properly and normally.
What causes an electrolyte imbalance?
Typically, most people’s bodies are able to keep electrolytes within a proper range, provided you are in good overall health.
However, there are still many instances in which you may experience a short term electrolyte imbalance, such as when you are exercising intensively and/or for a long period of time and sweating a lot. Many athletes, such as marathon runners or CrossFit participants, find that they need to adjust their electrolyte intake during periods of intense competition or training.
Similarly, if you are experiencing a bout of diarrhoea or vomiting, you may find that your electrolyte balance is temporarily thrown off. This can be because you are ill or are perhaps experiencing side effects from a new medicine, such as a weight loss medication.
Other things that may cause an electrolyte imbalance can include:
- An underlying health condition such as kidney disease, diabetes, or heart failure.
- Certain medications you may be taking.
What are the symptoms of an electrolyte imbalance?
If the level of electrolytes in your body becomes too high or too low, your body’s normal functions can be disrupted, and this can even lead to life-threatening complications.
Common symptoms of an electrolyte imbalance include:
- Headaches.
- Muscle weakness and/or cramping.
- Confusion.
- Irregular heartbeat.
- Feeling sick.
How do I check my electrolytes, and can I test my electrolytes at home?
If you are experiencing some of the common symptoms above, especially if you know you are more likely to have an electrolyte imbalance due to intense exercise or you’re experiencing an episode of illness, it’s safe to assume that you may have a temporary electrolyte imbalance.
However, if you want to be certain (or there seems to be an ongoing issue with your electrolyte balance that is not connected to a short term issue), there is an electrolyte blood test which measures if you have an electrolyte imbalance in your body. It may be carried out during a routine physical examination by your GP, or as part of a wider set of tests.
Your electrolyte balance will often need to be checked if you are prescribed certain medications (many of which are used to treat high blood pressure) or if you are already undergoing treatment for an electrolyte imbalance (in order to monitor the effectiveness of the treatment).
In the UK, you are able to purchase and use at-home electrolyte blood test kits, although you should note that you’ll still have to send the sample blood to a lab for testing, which may take some time.
How do I fix my electrolyte balance?
Treatment for an electrolyte imbalance can depend on which electrolyte is out of balance and by how much. For example, if your sodium levels are too high, it may be recommended that you decrease your sodium intake by consuming less salt. On the other hand, if your sodium level is too low, you may need to reduce your fluid intake.
Typically, if you are eating a variety of healthy foods and drinking enough fluids, and you do not have an underlying condition, your electrolytes should stay at the right level.
If you are experiencing a one-off imbalance, caused by extra intense exercise or a short bout of vomiting and/or diarrhoea, you can purchase an over-the-counter electrolyte solution which may help to restore the balance of your electrolytes. There are also oral rehydration drinks available which can help solve mild imbalances that aren’t causing severe symptoms.
We carry O.R.S. Hydration Blackcurrant tablets, which are an easy way to replenish electrolytes and fluids lost due to dehydration during exercise or illness.
If you have a severe electrolyte imbalance, you may need an IV solution from a medical professional.
Is there a downside to electrolytes?
If you take in too high of a level of electrolytes, this can create another imbalance and may lead to health complications. You should not take electrolytes if you don’t need them.
Should older people take electrolytes, and if so, what is the best source of electrolytes for the elderly?
Electrolyte imbalances are common in elderly people. This can be due to various reasons, including:
- The loss of muscle mass and increased fat levels as people age, leading to a decrease in total body water and changes in the volume of your body’s cells.
- Medications taken by many elderly people which can affect electrolyte balance.
- Increased risk of dehydration due to reduced thirst and water intake, or due to physical disability and mobility issues affecting regular and easy access to water.
- Decline in kidney function.
As with anyone who may have an electrolyte imbalance, older people may benefit from electrolyte testing and taking an over-the-counter electrolyte solution.
Summary
In conclusion, electrolytes are not only important, they are necessary for normal and proper bodily function. If you’re unsure if you may have an electrolyte imbalance, you can take a blood test to determine if this is the case, and which electrolytes are out of balance. Imbalances are more common when you’re exercising intensely for a long period of time, if you’ve experienced a bout of diarrhoea or vomiting due to illness, or if you have an underlying medical condition, and symptoms can include headaches, fatigue, muscle weakness and cramping, confusion, irregular heartbeat, and feeling sick. There are various electrolyte products you can take, but you should only do so if you truly need them.