Electrolytes: What Are They and Why Are They Important?
1. Headache
When the body is low in electrolytes, it responds to the imbalance, often leading to symptoms. A chronic headache could indicate low sodium levels (hyponatremia).
2. Confusion
Several electrolytes, including magnesium, phosphate, and sodium, are essential for nervous system functioning. These electrolytes allow the nerves to send messages and affect brain function. When the body does not have enough electrolytes, you may experience cognitive symptoms like confusion or restlessness.
3. Fatigue
When electrolyte levels are too low, the body cannot function normally, leading to fatigue. Low sodium levels cause fatigue and headaches; low magnesium, phosphate, and potassium levels may also cause fatigue.
4. Thirst
When these electrolytes are out of balance, the body may not have enough fluid, leading to increased thirst. Electrolytes balance fluid by controlling the body’s pH level or acid-base balance. Low levels of chloride or sodium may lead to thirst.
5. Dry Skin
Dehydration often leads to an imbalance of electrolytes. When a person is dehydrated, their body does not have enough water to function properly. This leads to several symptoms, including dry skin. Dry skin can easily become itchy and irritated.
6. Muscle Contractions and Weakness
The body needs calcium and magnesium to control muscle movement. When one of these electrolytes is low, it is common to experience a lack of muscle control and weakness. People with low electrolytes may also experience muscle spasms or cramps.
7. Irregular Heartbeat
The body needs sufficient calcium, magnesium, and potassium to support the heart. When these electrolyte levels are low, the heart cannot beat efficiently, and the heart rate may be too fast, slow, or irregular.
8. Coma
When an electrolyte imbalance is left untreated, it can lead to serious complications like a coma (a state of unconsciousness). Low sodium levels affect brain cells, and several cognitive symptoms can occur. When the sodium level is not corrected, a person may experience a coma. Other serious complications of low electrolytes include seizures and heart attacks.
What Causes Electrolyte Imbalances?
There are several possible causes of electrolyte imbalances. Our bodies receive electrolytes through the foods and drinks we consume. Possible causes of electrolyte imbalance include:
- Health conditions that may cause electrolyte imbalances include:
- Congestive heart failure
- Thyroid disease
- Lung disease
- Kidney disease
- Cancer
- Cirrhosis (chronic liver damage)
- Sepsis (when a localized infection moves into the bloodstream)
- Alcohol use disorder
- Eating disorders
What to Do If You Think You’re Low on Electrolytes
See a primary healthcare provider if you believe you may have low electrolyte levels. Your provider can diagnose an electrolyte imbalance with a simple blood test. They will also likely perform a physical exam and medical history and recommend an electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) to look for an irregular heart rhythm.
Treatments for low electrolyte levels include:
- Diet changes
- Electrolyte supplements
- Electrolyte drinks
- Electrolyte replacement therapy with medications or intravenous (IV) treatment
Summary
Electrolytes are essential minerals that affect every body system. An imbalance occurs when the body has too many or too few of a specific electrolyte, such as sodium, magnesium, and potassium. Even a slight imbalance can cause serious symptoms. Signs of low electrolytes may include headaches, increased thirst, decreased appetite, muscle cramps, and weakness. More severe symptoms include an irregular heartbeat, confusion, seizures, and coma. Fortunately, electrolyte imbalances are treatable. See a healthcare provider if you are concerned about your electrolyte levels.
