We often hear about the importance of electrolytes for the body. But what does that mean, and why are they important for our health? In this article, we'll try to understand electrolyte imbalance and explore its causes, symptoms, and ways to prevent it!
Electrolyte imbalance
To begin, we must ask ourselves what an electrolyte is. Generally speaking, an electrolyte is, Electrolytes are chemical components, meaning atoms that have an extra or missing electron and are therefore electrically charged. Electrolytic substances are very diverse and have numerous industrial applications, but here we will focus on blood electrolytes in liquid form.
In the human body, electrolytes perform several functions. The most important is maintaining cell membrane tension, but they also regulate cardiac and neurological functions, balance the body's water levels, ensure oxygen supply, and regulate blood plasma acidity. In short, electrolytes are absolutely essential for the body and therefore for our health.
Among the main blood electrolytes are sodium , which plays a role in the distribution of water in the body; potassium, which helps to maintain a balance of concentrations between the inside and outside of cells; calcium , which is very important for blood clotting; and magnesium , which regulates muscle contraction by nerves.
Why is it important to maintain electrolyte balance?
As we've seen , electrolytes play a major role in the body , and it's impossible for the body to function properly without adequate levels of all the essential electrolytes in the blood. This is why we often hear about the importance of electrolytes, especially in the context of sports, since electrolyte balance can be disrupted after a workout during which a lot of water is lost through perspiration.
What can cause an imbalance? How can I know if I am affected?
Physical exercise is not the only possible cause of electrolyte imbalance; it can also result from illnesses or excessive use of certain medications leading to severe diarrhea and/or vomiting. Malnutrition is also a significant risk factor, since most of the electrolytes we ingest are found in food.
The symptoms associated with an electrolyte imbalance vary greatly depending on the electrolyte involved. Here is a brief overview of the most common electrolyte disorders and their associated symptoms:
Hypercalcemia (too high a level of calcium in the blood) is frequently caused by certain types of cancer, particularly thyroid cancer, and manifests itself through abdominal pain, constipation, nausea/vomiting , and a significant feeling of thirst.
Hypocalcemia (too low a level of calcium in the blood) is often linked to hormonal insufficiency or vitamin D deficiency. The most common symptoms are cramps or muscle contractions and numbness around the mouth and fingers.
Hyperkalemia (excess potassium) is often caused by kidney dysfunction or overconsumption of potassium- rich foods. Hyperkalemia is particularly dangerous because it is asymptomatic in most cases and only manifests itself when it becomes severe, with nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Hypokalemia is caused by increased potassium excretion or insufficient consumption of potassium- rich foods. Like hyperkalemia, it is often asymptomatic initially and manifests itself when it becomes severe with muscle weakness, cramps, and cardiac arrhythmias.
Hypernatremia (excess sodium in the blood) is often linked to significant fluid loss (diarrhea, lack of rehydration after exercise). The most common symptoms in patients are dehydration, nausea, vomiting, and fatigue.
Hyponatremia (low blood sodium) has many causes, including organ failure such as insufficiency of the heart, kidneys, or liver, or excessive fluid retention (which can occur post-operatively). It is not uncommon for people with hyponatremia to be asymptomatic. In other cases, this condition manifests as loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, confusion, and muscle weakness.
Indeed, a wide variety of symptoms are observed depending on the electrolyte(s) involved. However, some are recurring, such as nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and muscle weakness, sometimes accompanied by cramps. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is essential to consult a doctor who can prescribe blood and urine tests to detect a possible imbalance.
It is also observed that an electrolyte imbalance can be caused by very different factors, ranging from pre-existing diseases such as cancer to dysfunction of certain organs (particularly the kidneys) and poor hydration and diet.
Dealing with an electrolyte imbalance
How to treat it?
It's important to know that treatments for electrolyte imbalances are as varied as their causes. In the case of electrolyte deficiencies (hypo-), the most common solution is oral or intravenous administration of the missing electrolyte. This may be combined with rehydration if necessary. Regarding electrolyte excesses (hyper-), treatments may include medication to help eliminate the excess or even kidney dialysis, which involves filtering the blood outside the body and then returning it to the kidneys, often to replace kidneys that are not functioning properly.
How can this imbalance be prevented?
To prevent the risk of electrolyte imbalance , there are several good habits to adopt. The main one is indeed to have a healthy and balanced diet to guarantee a sufficient and regular intake of all electrolytes, combined with good hydration (drinking enough quality water every day, especially after exercise).
Hydratis tablets will allow you to optimize your hydration. Thanks to their scientifically studied and validated composition, the tablets will, on the one hand, enrich your water with micronutrients and electrolytes and, on the other hand, optimize the absorption of the water and electrolytes it contains.
In summary, an electrolyte imbalance occurs when the levels of certain electrolytes in the body, such as sodium , magnesium , or chloride , are out of balance. This can affect the body's fluid system, causing imbalances at the cellular level and potentially leading to serious symptoms in patients . The reasons for this imbalance can vary, ranging from gastrointestinal disorders to cardiovascular dysfunction. In all cases, appropriate treatment and medical supervision are necessary to restore electrolyte balance in the body.
