Electrolytes

Electrolytes are chemical elements or minerals (sodium, potassium, magnesium, and calcium) and salts (chloride, bicarbonate, and phosphates) that, when mixed with water, undergo a process called dissociation. This turns them into electrical charges, known as “ions,” that carry either a positive or negative charge. 

This is important because these electrolytes balance each other out and are found both inside and outside cells. They signal cells, regulate nerve impulses, contract muscles, hydrate the body, balance blood acidity and pressure, maintain pH levels, and help rebuild damaged tissue.

Muscles and nerves are both stimulated by the activity of electrolytes in the intracellular, extracellular, and interstitial fluids. These electrolytes stimulate muscles and nerves—ion channels on the cell membrane's surface transport electrolytes to and from the cell. For instance, muscle contraction depends on the presence of potassium, calcium, and sodium ions, and insufficient levels of these ions may lead to muscle weakness or spasms.

Electrolyte levels fluctuate in response to water levels in the body and are most commonly lost during exercise. However, other causes of imbalance include improper diet and lifestyle, kidney disease, prolonged vomiting and diarrhea, dehydration, acid-base imbalances, congestive heart failure, cancer treatments, overuse of diuretics, bulimia, and old age.

The muscles, heart, and nervous system all rely on electrolytes to transmit electrical impulses throughout the body. Imbalances depend on which electrolytes are affected and whether their levels are too high or too low. Symptoms can include irregular heartbeat, overall weakness, bone disorders, twitching, blood pressure changes, confusion, seizures, numbness, nervous system disorders, and fatigue.

An electrolyte panel, usually performed during your annual physical, can evaluate and monitor electrolyte levels. One standard treatment is drinking more water. Managing an electrolyte imbalance involves either restoring levels if they are too low or reducing concentrations if they are too high. If levels are elevated, treatment will depend on the cause of the excess. Low levels are often treated by supplementing the deficient electrolyte.

Sources for replenishing and maintaining balance may include:

• Drinking water and/or electrolyte-infused water

• Eating a balanced diet

• Taking electrolyte supplements

• Using electrolyte sports drinks, gels, and candies (Caution: overuse can cause imbalance)

Below is more detailed information on each electrolyte.