Sodium and Electrolytes
Sodium and other electrolytes are chemical substances that allow our cells to generate energy; maintain the stability of cell walls and assist in the general functions that are essential for our body to function healthily.
It is estimated that our bodies require approximately 500mg of sodium for daily vital functions.
What are the electrolytes in our body?
In addition to sodium, common electrolytes in our body include potassium, calcium, bicarbonate, magnesium, chloride and phosphate. They are present in your blood, body fluids and urine, and are ingested with food, drinks and dietary supplements.
What is the role of electrolytes?
Electrolytes regulate our nerve and muscle function, hydrate our body, balance our blood acidity and blood pressure, and aid in rebuilding any damaged tissues as well as a myriad of other activities. Our heart, muscles and nerves use electrolytes to carry impulses to other cells in the body.
What is an electrolyte imbalance?
An imbalance of electrolytes is caused if the levels in the blood become too high or too low. They can change as a response to water levels within the body as well as other factors. The most common electrolyte imbalances occur in sodium and potassium.
What can cause an electrolyte imbalance?
Important electrolytes including sodium and potassium are lost through sweat during exercise. The concentration of levels of these electrolytes can also be affected by vomiting or diarrhea. To maintain healthy body function and overall health, we must replace lost electrolytes as an imbalance causes certain electrolyte levels to become higher than the body can regulate.
What are the different types of electrolyte imbalances?
Electrolyte imbalances result from elevated levels (prefixed as hyper) or depleted levels (prefixed as hypo) and include imbalances of:
- Calcium: hypercalcemia and hypocalcemia
- Chloride: hyperchloremia and hypochloremia
- Magnesium: hypermagnesemia and hypomagnesemia
- Phosphate: hyperphosphatemia and hypophosphatemia
- Potassium: hyperkalemia and hypokalemia
- Sodium: hypernatremia and hyponatremia
Who is at risk of developing an electrolyte imbalance?
Anybody can develop an electrolyte imbalance, although some people are at greater risk due to their medical history. Conditions and lifestyle habits that increase the risk of developing an electrolyte disorder include:
- Kidney disease
- Thyroid disorders
- Adrenal gland disorders
- Congestive heart failure
- Poor diet
- Alcohol abuse
- Cirrhosis
- Eating disorders
- Prolonged vomiting or diarrhea
- Severe dehydration
- Not staying hydrated and replenishing electrolytes after exercise
- Certain medications such as diuretics
What are the symptoms of an electrolyte imbalance?
Symptoms will vary according to which electrolyte is out of balance, and whether that substance is elevated (too high) or depleted (too low).
Symptoms that can indicate harmful levels of magnesium, sodium, potassium or calcium include:
- Weakness
- Twitching
- Muscle spasms
- Irregular heartbeat
- Blood pressure changes
- Confusion
- Numbness
- Seizures
- Convulsions
- Bone disorders
- Nervous system disorders
- Excessive fatigue
Excessive calcium levels can also occur in people who have cancer or are undergoing treatment for breast cancer, lung cancer or multiple myeloma.
Symptoms for excessive calcium can include:
- Frequent urination
- Lethargy and fatigue
- Irregular heartbeat
- Nausea or vomiting
- Stomach pains
- Altered moods
- Muscle weakness
- Thirst
- Dry mouth or throat
- Appetite loss
- Confusion
- Constipation
- Coma
Can electrolyte imbalances be prevented?
For those who don’t have a medical history that is the cause of an electrolyte imbalance, there are straightforward steps to be taken to prevent developing these disorders.
- Keep hydrated after exercise if you have sweated
- Stay hydrated if you have experienced prolonged vomiting or diarrhea
- Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet with good levels of fruit and vegetables
How are electrolyte imbalances diagnosed?
If your GP suspects you have an electrolyte imbalance that needs diagnosis and treatment, they will refer you to a specialist Endocrinologist such as Dr Nirjhar Nandi for diagnosis, treatment and management.
To help diagnosis if you have an imbalance, Dr Nandi will take a medical history at your consultation, and will arrange for a blood test to measure the electrolyte levels in your body as well as a blood test to measure your kidney function. He may also undertake a physical examination depending upon your symptoms that might include a pinch test or a test of your reflexes.
If necessary, he may also arrange for testing of your heart with an ECG or an EKG to see if your heartbeat or heart rhythms have been changed.
How are electrolyte imbalances treated?
The treatment provided by Dr Nandi will depend on the type of electrolyte imbalance as well as the underlying cause. Some typical treatments used to restore balance include:
- The administration of intravenous (IV) fluids
- Prescription of certain IV medications
- The use of certain oral medications and supplements
Other treatments can include:
- Hemodialysis. This is a type of dialysis that is used to remove waste from the blood and can be used if the imbalance is caused by kidney damage, or if the electrolyte problem has become life threatening.
Electrolyte imbalances can be serious
If you require specialist management for adrenal gland disorders, please ask your GP for a referral and contact our rooms on 07 4051 9711 to arrange for a consultation with Dr Nandi.
