What is a hydro-electrolytic disorder?
An electrolyte imbalance is an imbalance in the ratio of electrolytes to water in the body . Myocardial and neurological functions, acid-base balance, cellular electrolyte function, and oxygen supply are all strongly regulated by electrolyte levels. Therefore, a problem with water and mineral balance can lead to a variety of symptoms, including cardiac and neurological complications.
What are electrolytes and what is their role in the body?
Role of electrolytes in the body
Electrolytes have several vital functions in your body , including:
->the transmission of nerve impulses,
->maintaining the balance between internal and external fluids of the cells,
->acid-base balance,
->maintaining a stable blood pH,
->participation in the proper functioning of muscles,
->participation in the proper functioning of the kidneys and the excretion of waste.
The main electrolytes and their functions
The main electrolytes are sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, chloride, bicarbonate, and phosphate .
|
Sodium |
Responsible for maintaining osmolarity. Contributes to the distribution of water between intracellular and extracellular compartments. Role in pH regulation, kidney function, and nerve transmission. |
|
Potassium |
Role in muscle contraction and for the proper functioning of the nervous system. |
|
Calcium |
It participates in skeletal mineralization, muscle contraction, and blood clotting. |
|
Magnesium |
Essential for the proper absorption and use of calcium by the body. Necessary for the formation of bones and teeth, as well as for the normal functioning of nerves and muscles. Helps reduce physical and mental fatigue. |
|
Chloride |
Role in fluid balance and maintaining the body's pH level. |
|
Bicarbonate |
Helps maintain acid-base balance. |
|
Phosphate |
Very important for strong teeth and bones: 85% of total body phosphorus is found in bones and teeth. It also contributes to energy production and to maintaining intracellular acid-base balance. |
What are the symptoms of a hydro-electrolytic disorder?
General symptoms
Certain signs are present regardless of the type of electrolyte imbalance. These symptoms may include headaches, general fatigue, nausea, and vomiting. You may also experience muscle cramps, spasms, dizziness or vertigo, as well as difficulty concentrating.
Specific symptoms depending on the type of imbalance
|
Hyponatremia |
Sodium too low (<135 mmol/L) |
Lethargy, altered mental state, seizures, coma Elderly people: gait disturbances, increased fracture rates |
|
Hypernatremia |
Sodium too high (>145 mmol/L) |
Feeling thirsty, changes in behavior, irritability, muscle weakness |
|
Hypokalemia |
Potassium too low (<3.5 mmol/L) |
Muscle weakness and cramps, paralysis, abnormal heart rhythm |
|
Hyperkalemia |
Potassium too high (>5.0 mmol/L) |
Abdominal and chest pain, diarrhea, vomiting, heart palpitations, muscle weakness, numbness in the limbs |
What are the causes of hydro-electrolytic disorders?
Several factors can cause these disorders.
Firstly, excessive fluid loss (especially water) can be the main cause. This excessive loss is usually due to diarrhea, vomiting, excessive sweating, bleeding, or extensive burns.
Furthermore, insufficient mineral intake is often associated with a limited and deficient diet, possibly also due to prolonged fasting or poor hydration habits. This is particularly true during intense exercise , where the human body loses water (99%) through perspiration, as well as minerals present in sweat, such as sodium .
Certain diseases can also be the cause, such as hormonal or chronic diseases like kidney failure, diabetes, taking diuretics or other drug treatments.
How to treat a hydro-electrolytic disorder?
Treatment depends on the severity and type of imbalance identified. In all cases, we recommend consulting a healthcare professional who can best guide you.
However, hydration will play an important role. Indeed, water intake alone may sometimes be sufficient, but in most cases, it is preferable to choose a solution containing electrolytes .
Reviewing your diet is essential ; this means regularly consuming fruits, vegetables, nuts, dairy products, and legumes, which will help restore adequate intake. These foods are naturally rich in potassium (bananas, avocados), calcium (dairy products), magnesium (nuts, legumes), and sodium (salt, mineral water).
In case of persistent symptoms, hospitalization may be necessary to avoid neurological or cardiac complications.
How to prevent a hydro-electrolytic disorder?
Adopt a balanced diet
Include mineral-rich foods in your daily diet. Also, be sure to vary your intake according to your energy expenditure and the weather conditions.
Anticipate the physical effort
Before, during, and after intense activity, hydrate regularly with electrolyte solutions, especially if you sweat heavily. After physical exertion, it's recommended to consume 1.5 times your weight loss! So, if you lose 2 kg, we recommend consuming approximately 2 x 1.5, or 3 liters, of recovery drinks, electrolytes, and water after exercise. Always limit your water intake to no more than 1 liter per hour to avoid overloading your digestive system!
Monitor your health
The elderly, children and patients on chronic treatment should have regular medical follow-up including an electrolyte assessment if needed.
What are the average levels to avoid suffering from hydro-electrolytic disorders?
Reference values for electrolytes:
|
Electrolytes |
Blood value |
Daily intake for an average adult |
|
Sodium |
135 to 145 mmol/L |
1500 mg |
|
Potassium |
3.5 to 5.0 mmol/L |
3500 mg |
|
Calcium |
2.1 to 2.6 mmol/L |
1000 mg |
|
Magnesium |
0.7 to 1.0 mmol/L |
375 mg |
It is important to maintain these levels within optimal ranges to avoid problems.
These blood values indicate the ideal internal balance for proper cellular function. The Reference Intakes (RIs), on the other hand, represent the necessary dietary intake to meet physiological needs and compensate for daily losses. A diet too low in minerals or excessive losses (sweat, diarrhea, etc.) that are not compensated can cause potentially serious imbalances. This is why it is essential to maintain these levels within a healthy balance .
How to correct a hydro-electrolytic imbalance?
Correcting this imbalance relies on an approach tailored to its nature (deficiency or excess), its severity, the identified cause, and the patient's clinical condition. Correction can occur at several levels, including urgent medical intervention, adjustments to dietary intake, and, most importantly, targeted and functional hydration .
Quick rebalancing
In acute or severe situations (disorientation, seizures, arrhythmias), urgent intervention is necessary. This is generally carried out in a medical setting, via intravenous infusions containing specific electrolytes. The choice of infusion depends on the results of blood tests, the type of disorder, and the rate of progression.
The goal is to avoid any neurological or cardiac complications , while correcting the imbalance gradually to prevent a rebound effect. In some cases, hospitalization in intensive care may be necessary, particularly when an imbalance affects several electrolytes simultaneously.
Regular consumption of electrolyte-rich foods
Apart from acute cases, these imbalances can often be corrected by a suitable diet rich in minerals :
Potassium : found in bananas, avocados, potatoes, legumes, dried fruit.
Sodium : provided by salt (in reasonable quantities), mineral waters, certain cheeses.
Calcium : found in dairy products, sardines with bones, almonds.
Magnesium: abundant in oilseeds (nuts, almonds), whole grains, dark chocolate, green vegetables.
These foods help to gradually replenish lost nutrients, especially if they are due to excessive sweating, a deficient diet, or a very active lifestyle. Supplementation with a dietary supplement or specific product may also be considered in cases of confirmed deficiency, under medical supervision.
Targeted hydration
Hydration is an important element in correcting electrolyte imbalances. However, drinking water alone may not be enough, and could even worsen certain imbalances (such as hyponatremia) if electrolyte losses are not replenished.
It is therefore crucial to prioritize optimal hydration using solutions containing sodium, potassium, magnesium, and glucose . Glucose promotes the active absorption of sodium in the intestine via the SGLT1 cotransporter, thus improving overall hydration. This principle is based on the oral rehydration solutions (ORS) recommended by the WHO for infants with diarrhea and vomiting.
These drinks are particularly recommended:
-
After prolonged physical activity, especially in hot weather;
-
In case of fever, diarrhea, vomiting or excessive sweating;
-
During post-operative convalescence or after an episode of dehydration.
How to identify an electrolyte imbalance?
The signs of an electrolyte imbalance can vary depending on the electrolyte involved, but some symptoms are common to all. These may include fatigue , headaches, nausea, vomiting , and mental confusion .
These symptoms can appear gradually or suddenly and vary in intensity depending on the severity of the imbalance.
To confirm or rule out electrolyte imbalance , a blood test called a “blood ionogram” measures the concentrations of the main electrolytes in the blood.
If you have any doubts, we recommend that you consult a doctor . Only they can make a reliable diagnosis and determine the appropriate course of action.
In conclusion, a fluid and electrolyte imbalance can occur when electrolyte concentrations, such as sodium and potassium, are abnormal. The causes and symptoms can vary, ranging from headaches and vomiting to muscular and cardiac complications. To prevent this disorder, a varied diet is necessary, and a medical consultation should be sought if any concerns are raised.
Bibliography
Larson, NJ, Rogers, FB, Feeken, JL, Blondeau, B., & Dries, DJ (2024). Electrolyte Disorders: Causes, Diagnosis, and Initial Care-Part 1. Air medical journal , 43 (2), 80–83. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amj.2024.01.001
Larson, NJ, Rogers, FB, Feeken, JL, Blondeau, B., & Dries, DJ (2024). Electrolyte Disorders: Causes, Diagnosis, and Initial Care-Part 2. Air medical journal , 43 (3), 193–197. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amj.2024.03.016
Larson, NJ, Rogers, FB, Feeken, JL, Blondeau, B., & Dries, DJ (2024). Electrolyte Disorders: Causes, Diagnosis, and Initial Care-Part 3. Air medical journal , 43 (4), 270–275. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amj.2024.05.007
Rondon, H., & Badireddy, M. (2023). Hyponatremia. In StatPearls. Stat Pearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470386/
