It is worth knowing how much of each electrolyte is in a type of food or drink. The Department of Agriculture has a searchable database of nutritional contents. Supplements are also an option for managing low levels of an electrolyte. For example, older adults often do not consume enough potassium, and treatments with corticosteroids or diuretic medications can also reduce these levels.
In this case, potassium tablets can boost the concentration in the blood. Some sports drinks, gels, and candies can restore levels of electrolytes such as sodium and potassium during and after exercise. They can also help the body retain water. However, these products sometimes contain high electrolyte contents, and consuming too much can lead to an excess.
Some also contain high levels of sugar. It is important to carefully follow any treatment or supplementation plan that a health professional recommends.
Restoring the balance of electrolytes by making dietary changes should lead to an improvement in symptoms. If it does not, a doctor may order further tests to identify any underlying health conditions that may be causing the imbalance. Recommended intakes of some of the most common electrolytes are as follows:.
An imbalance can affect the way the body works and lead to a range of symptoms. For example, if a person feels faint after a workout, an electrolyte imbalance could be one reason. Consuming electrolytes during or after intense exercise and other periods of profuse sweating can help preserve the balance. Be sure to stay hydrated at all times.
Anyone with concerns should contact a healthcare professional. Antioxidants are mostly found in plant foods. They are natural molecules that help neutralize harmful free radicals in our bodies. Free radicals are…. We look at hyperchloremia, where a high level of chloride in the blood causes an electrolyte imbalance. Included is detail on the relation to…. Next time you reach for a sports drink following a workout, why not reach for some coconut water instead?
In some cases, underlying diseases, such as acute or chronic kidney disease , are to blame. Calcium is a vital mineral that your body uses to stabilize blood pressure and control skeletal muscle contraction. Hypercalcemia occurs when you have too much calcium in the blood. This is usually caused by:. Hypocalcemia occurs due to a lack of adequate calcium in the bloodstream.
Causes can include:. It can happen as a result of:. Magnesium is a critical mineral that regulates many important functions, such as:. Hypermagnesemia means excess amounts of magnesium. Hypomagnesemia means having too little magnesium in the body. Common causes include:.
The kidneys , bones, and intestines work to balance phosphate levels in the body. Phosphate is necessary for a wide variety of functions and interacts closely with calcium. Hyperphosphatemia can occur due to:. Low levels of phosphate, or hypophosphatemia , can be seen in:. Potassium is particularly important for regulating heart function. It also helps maintain healthy nerves and muscles. Hyperkalemia may develop due to high levels of potassium.
This condition can be fatal if left undiagnosed and untreated. Hypokalemia occurs when potassium levels are too low. This often happens as a result of:. Sodium is necessary for the body to maintain fluid balance and is critical for normal body function.
It also helps to regulate nerve function and muscle contraction. Abnormally high levels of sodium may be caused by:.
Common causes of low sodium levels include:. A simple blood test can measure the levels of electrolytes in your body.
Recent findings: The diagnosis and management of hyponatremia continue to evolve. Diagnostic accuracy is improved by assessing serum and urine osmolality as well as urinary sodium. Note: We strongly encourage you to talk with your health care professional about your specific medical condition and treatments.
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Toggle navigation. Spanish About Chemocare. Electrolyte Imbalance. What Are Electrolytes? Normal Adult Values Calcium: 4. What Is An Electrolyte Imbalance? Causes for an electrolyte imbalance may include: Loss of body fluids from prolonged vomiting, diarrhea, sweating or high fever.
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