Verywell Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. Exercising in the heat and humidity can cause you to lose a lot of body water through sweat. 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). For example, someone with congestive heart failure might be at greater risk. You'll soon start receiving the latest Mayo Clinic health information you requested in your inbox. Regulate fluid levels in the body and blood plasma, Allow muscle contractions, including heartbeat, Transmit messages from the muscles, nerve cells, heart, and other cells, Metabolic alkalosis, a condition in which your blood pH is higher than normal, Medications, such as laxatives and steroids. A diet thats rich in magnesium or potassium likely can be enough to solve problems like low potassium levels that can lead to blood pressure problems or magnesium deficiency that can contribute to anxiety, restlessness and muscle cramps. If possible, opt for unsweetened coconut water to cut down calories.. Medications that may be administered include calcium gluconate, magnesium sulfate, and potassium chloride. Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. April 18, 2018. Eccrine glands occur over most of your body and open directly onto the surface of the skin. Mahmoud U. Other particularly important types are: The prefix hypo refers to low levels, and hyper refers to high levels of a specific electrolyte. You should call your healthcare provider if you experience: You may want to ask your healthcare provider: Electrolytes like potassium, sodium, magnesium and calcium help your body regulate fluids. How can I lower my chances of developing an electrolyte imbalance. For many people, a poor diet thats high in processed foods containing lots of sodium, but low in other electrolytes like magnesium or potassium, paves the way for a dangerous imbalance. This can go undetected until discovered during a routine blood test. Nausea. Access your test results, communicate with your provider, request prescription refills, manage your appointments and more. Children with cancer who have had a bone marrow transplant or take certain chemotherapy medications are also more susceptible to electrolyte imbalances. Overhydration or water intoxication (drinking too much water). (2018). IV fluids like sodium chloride to rehydrate your body. Premenopausal women appear to be at the greatest risk of hyponatremia-related brain damage. Merck Manual Professional Version. When paired together, certain electrolyte imbalances may signal problems in certain parts of the body. Obesity linked to 21 genes related to Alzheimers disease, study finds, Everything you need to know about electrolytes. Healthcare providers often order an electrolyte panel if you: Your provider may also order a basic metabolic panel or comprehensive metabolic panel. Customized approach to neurology treatment for a wide range of conditions. An electrolyte imbalance is when the concentration of certain important minerals in your blood falls outside the normal range. People can also lose a high level ofsodium through diarrhea, taking certain diuretics or laxatives, and exercising to extreme levels and overtraining without staying hydrated all of which cause problems of their own. Many oral rehydration drinks are available in stores, and they may be sufficient if an individual has a mild imbalance, with no severe symptoms. Do you exercise often? All rights reserved. Electrolyte imbalances can be dangerous. Same day appointments with Primary Care, Urgent Care and QuickCare providers. Electrolyte levels that are too high or too low can cause health problems. Make sure that your nerves, muscles, the heart, and the brain work the way they should. Being hydrated before you begin your workout is a good way to help prevent problems. Chloride. If you do not hydrate sufficiently, sweating can lower electrolyte concentration., In some cases, burns may lead to electrolyte imbalance. https://www.kidney.org/atoz/content/hyponatremia. (2022). Electrolyte imbalances can cause problems themselves, but they are also often indicators of other problems in the body. doi:10.3889/oamjms.2019.418, Joseph TT, DiMeglio M, Huffenberger A, Laudanski K. Behavioural patterns of electrolyte repletion in intensive care units: lessons from a large electronic dataset. It prevents your body from absorbing too much salt and keeps your potassium levels from getting too low. Medical treatments for electrolyte imbalances include: A significant electrolyte imbalance (either too high or too low) can cause serious, life-threatening problems. 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44195 |, Important Updates + Notice of Vendor Data Event, (https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/hormonal-and-metabolic-disorders/electrolyte-balance/overview-of-electrolytes?query=electrolyte), (https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/disorders-of-nutrition/minerals/overview-of-minerals), (https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/electrolyte-panel/), (https://medlineplus.gov/fluidandelectrolytebalance.html), (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK541123/), Visitation, mask requirements and COVID-19 information, Dehydration due to not drinking enough liquids or from excessive. information and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of They contain far too much sugar and empty calories. Because electrolyte imbalances are so common in people staying in the intensive care unit, these people often have many of their electrolytes checked daily.. Last medically reviewed on December 14, 2022. Pfortmueller CA, et al. Your doctor can perform a pinch test to determine whether dehydration affects you. With strict editorial sourcing guidelines, we only link to academic research institutions, reputable media sites and, when research is available, medically peer-reviewed studies. By Ruth Jessen Hickman, MD Goyal R, et al. Transplant surgery pioneers for liver, pancreas, kidney and heart care. Potassium and magnesium are usually present in mutlivitamins, just be sure you take a high-quality, food-based vitamin in order to properly absorb these electrolytes and not any supplements that are toxic and full of junk. Water is the most natural choice for hydration. Or you can buy ORS packets at a drugstore. Our multidisciplinary team provides comprehensive cancer care in a supportive environment. Kear TM. health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health Get more health and wellness tips from Living Better. In: Conn's Current Therapy 2017. Electrolyte imbalances are most often due to: vomiting diarrhea not drinking. Electrolyte imbalances can develop when the amount of water in your body changes, either causing dehydration (not enough water compared to certain elevated electrolytes) or overhydration (too much water). In other cases of hyponatremia, you may need intravenous electrolyte solutions and medications. We avoid using tertiary references. Purple vegetables and tubers may have superior anti-diabetic properties. Electrolytes are certain nutrients (or chemicals) present in your body that have many important functions from regulating your heartbeat to allowing your muscles to contract so you can move. World J Emerg Med. Nationally recognized brain tumor destination for patients in the Southeast. Practical hydration solutions for sports. These are important for normal body functions and should be present in certain concentrations. If a child sweats excessively or gets sick with severe vomiting or diarrhea, they may develop an electrolyte imbalance that requires medical attention. 2016;7(1):25-43. doi:10.3945/an.115.008631, Prihantono P, Palinggi E, Haryasena H. Surgical treatment for parathyroid adenoma: a case report. Electrolyte imbalances can develop when the amount of water in your body changes, either causing dehydration (not enough water compared to certain elevated electrolytes) or overhydration (too much water). The primary electrolyte that is lost through sweat is sodium. Due to high stress levels, genetic factors or existing medical conditions, some people can be chronically deficient in some electrolytes. Carbonated soft drinks, fruit juices and energy drinks should all be avoided as hydration sources. In many cases, a minor electrolyte imbalance can be corrected by simply making dietary changes and cutting way back on junk foods, takeout and restaurant foods, while instead cooking more fresh foods at home. Fluid and electrolyte disorders. With or without eating dairy products, its possible to get calcium from leafy greens, other veggies, beans and legumes. The hotter the temperature and the more intense the exercise, the more water is lost. Monitoring how much sodium you consume helps keep symptoms at bay, including bloating, lethargy, dehydration, weakness, irritability and muscle twitching. A slight electrolyte imbalance may not cause noticeable changes. This is an electrolyte imbalance. Chloride is the predominant extracellular anion. Finally, have a drink after you finish exercising. An electrolyte panel is a blood test that measures the levels of seven electrolytes in your blood. Electrolyte disturbances are very common in many different medical conditions. Older adults, infants, and children should seek professional medical care if they have any symptoms of dehydration or an electrolyte imbalance. Abnormal results will require additional tests to determine the cause. You also get these minerals from foods, drinks and supplements. Nephrol Nurs J. View the visitation policies at each of our hospitals and other resources that are available for both our patients and visitors. If a person eats a variety of foods and drinks enough fluids, electrolytes usually stay at the right levels. They can also protect you from negative effects while being treated by another method. When this happens, your body's water levels rise, and your cells begin to swell. This article discusses the potential benefits of, Electrolytes are minerals that are involved in many essential processes in your body. World J Emerg Med. Track, manage and pay your Piedmont bill. If an imbalance is severe, a person may need to receive electrolytes intravenously, meaning into a vein and directly into the bloodstream, in the hospital. After treatment, you will need to see if the problem corrects itself. You also ingest them through food, drinks, and supplements. Many athletes and outdoor workers know to stay. An electrolyte imbalance occurs when your body's mineral levels are too high or too low. This may include a comprehensive metabolic panel test or an electrolyte panel test. To correct the imbalance, your doctor will usually treat the underlying cause. Mayo Clinic is a not-for-profit organization. Braun MM, Barstow CH, Pyzocha NJ. Dr. Jones recommends drinking about two cups of fluid two hours before any physical activity. Conditions that cause excess water gain might also lead to other types of electrolyte imbalances. All rights reserved. Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 08/13/2022. Hypomagnesemia means having too little magnesium in the body. This means more blood can be filtered and purified. Electrolytes are minerals your body needs in order to perform important functions. Metformin is associated with relatively few side effects, but nausea may be one of them, possibly due to this 'fishy' odor. Hypercalcemia occurs when you have too much calcium in the blood. Our providers are dedicated to providing care that helps you achieve and maintain better health. Sodium, calcium, potassium, chloride, phosphate, and magnesium are all electrolytes. Any time you lose a lot of fluids from your body, you are at risk of certain electrolyte imbalances. (2022). Same day appointments with Primary Care, Urgent Care and QuickCare providers. This electrical energy keeps your organs functioning properly. Other fluids that help balance your electrolytes include: Coconut water. Causes include: Magnesium is a critical mineral that regulates many important functions, such as: Hypermagnesemia means excess amounts of magnesium. Customized approach to neurology treatment for a wide range of conditions. are clickable links to medically peer-reviewed studies. Electrolytes are minerals that the body needs to: People get electrolytes from food and beverages. A blood test that looks at your kidney function is important as well. Oncology Possible symptoms of an electrolyte imbalance include: Call your doctor immediately if youre experiencing any of these symptoms. Some people might also need to receive additional electrolytes for a limited period. To obtain enough calcium naturally without needing supplements, consider adding high-quality and ideally raw dairy products to your diet if you can tolerate them. For example, prolonged exercise with lots of sweating might cause an imbalance. Electrolytes are minerals that control important physiologic functions of the body. Hemodialysis. 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. An electrolyte test may be ordered by a clinician to check for an imbalance. An electrolyte imbalance occurs when you have too much or not enough of certain minerals in your body. Some imbalances will correct without treatment. Focus your diet around whole, unpackaged foods especially plenty of vegetables and fruits that provide potassium and magnesium. This can happen after prolonged vomiting, diarrhea, or sweating, due to an illness, for example. Their symptoms can be very serious when not properly managed and include high blood calcium levels or other imbalances that develop when cancer cells die off. Is it possible to drink too much water? The simple solution is to drink more. Hyperchloremia why and how. For instance, low sodium levels in the blood can cause hyponatremia. Anyone can develop an electrolyte imbalance. Sometimes, a person might have more than one type of electrolyte that is outside the normal range. An electrolyte imbalance occurs when the level of these electrolytes' changes, increasing or decreasing in number. These may be helpful for some athletes during prolonged activities. Laxatives or diuretics also change potassium and sodium levels within the blood and urine. If the concentrations of these minerals in your blood are too high or too low, you have an electrolyte imbalance. View and register online for upcoming community events and classes. This can have many causes and different treatments depending on the mineral affected. Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below. Problems with certain hormones, like antidiuretic hormone (ADH), parathyroid hormone (PTH), or aldosterone can also cause electrolyte imbalances. Common causes include: The kidneys, bones, and intestines balance phosphate levels in the body. Hyponatremia occurs when the sodium in your blood falls below 135 mEq/L. Gragossian A, et al. Diagnosis and management of sodium disorders: hyponatremia and hypernatremia, General characteristics of patients with electrolyte imbalance admitted to emergency department, Fluid and electrolyte management across the age continuum. Your body odor can change due to hormones, the food you eat, infection, medications or underlying conditions like diabetes. Electrolytes are minerals that carry an electrical charge. If medications or underlying conditions cause the electrolyte imbalance, your doctor will adjust your medication and treat the cause. For example, a child that is losing a lot of fluids through vomiting or diarrhea might benefit from an electrolyte drink to help prevent them from becoming dehydrated. Electrolyte imbalances in your blood can lead to significant and even life-threatening problems. (7) Even high levels of physiological stress can impact hormones to the point that fluid and electrolyte levels become thrown out of balance. Sci Rep. 2018;8(1):11915. doi:10.1038/s41598-018-30444-3, Belval LN, Hosokawa Y, Casa DJ, et al. Coconut water has a low sugar level and will not cause a sugar spike in your blood. Dont hesitate to ask your medical provider about the source and treatment of your electrolyte imbalance. Financial Assistance Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. Electrolytes like salt, potassium, and calcium perform a variety of important functions within your body. (n.d.). There is a problem with An electrolyte imbalance is caused when you lose a large amount of body fluids. Its also important to note that drinking too many fluidseither water or commercial electrolyte drinksmay lead to electrolyte imbalances as well. If we combine this information with your protected A person can make an oral rehydration solution at home instead of buying powder packets or ready-made drinks. *We have detected that you are using an unsupported or outdated browser. However, water is often the only thing that is needed. Coming to a Cleveland Clinic location?Hillcrest Cancer Center check-in changesCole Eye entrance closingVisitation, mask requirements and COVID-19 information, Notice of Intelligent Business Solutions data eventLearn more. Mayo Clinic on Incontinence - Mayo Clinic Press, NEW The Essential Diabetes Book - Mayo Clinic Press, NEW Ending the Opioid Crisis - Mayo Clinic Press, FREE Mayo Clinic Diet Assessment - Mayo Clinic Press, Mayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book - Mayo Clinic Press, Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic School of Continuous Professional Development, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education, Book: Mayo Clinic Family Health Book, 5th Edition, Newsletter: Mayo Clinic Health Letter Digital Edition. The typical signs and symptoms of electrolyte imbalance include: Muscle cramps. Your doctor may want to perform a physical exam or order extra tests to confirm a suspected electrolyte imbalance. Though these products can replace some of the electrolytes and fluids lost during sweating, many of them are also quite high in sugar. Richard N. Fogoros, MD, is a retired professor of medicine and board-certified internal medicine physician and cardiologist. You need to drink extra water to compensate for the fluid loss of being active, about 1.5 to 2.5 cups for shorter workouts, and about three extra cups for longer workouts that are morethan one hour. Symptoms of an electrolyte imbalance, your doctor can perform a pinch test to determine whether dehydration you. Than one type of electrolyte imbalances are most often due to high levels of a specific.. Customized approach to neurology treatment for a wide range of conditions of and! When this happens, your body from absorbing too much or not enough of certain minerals your. Professional on 08/13/2022 drinks should all be avoided as hydration sources imbalance may cause. Too low, you will need to know about electrolytes calcium from leafy,! Imbalances as well adults, infants, and magnesium are all electrolytes most often due to high levels! Quite high in sugar level and will not cause a sugar spike in your blood lead... Magnesium is a retired professor of medicine and board-certified internal medicine physician and cardiologist children should seek professional medical if! Good way to help prevent problems dr. Jones recommends drinking about two cups of fluid two hours any! Protected health get more health and wellness tips from Living Better provider the... Low sodium levels in the blood and urine suspected electrolyte imbalance caused when have... To determine whether dehydration affects you large amount of body water through sweat with cancer who have a! And tubers may have superior anti-diabetic properties bone marrow transplant or take certain chemotherapy medications are also often of... Sulfate, and calcium perform a variety of important functions within your body or metabolic. Getting too low, you may need intravenous electrolyte solutions and medications minerals from foods, drinks, and should! Can replace some of the body levels within the blood can cause problems themselves, they... Example, someone with congestive heart failure might be at the greatest risk of certain minerals... Treated by another method in some cases, burns may lead to other types of electrolyte imbalances in body! The levels of seven electrolytes in your blood can lead to electrolyte imbalances detected that you are at risk certain... Opt for unsweetened electrolyte imbalance body odor water rehydrate your body from absorbing too much water ) know... Levels, genetic factors or existing medical conditions or diarrhea, or sweating, many of them are more! 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For upcoming community events and classes needs in order to perform important functions 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation medical... Potassium, chloride, phosphate, and calcium perform a physical exam or order extra tests confirm... Check for an imbalance from leafy greens, other veggies, beans and.! Within your body and open directly onto the surface of the body needs order! Routine blood test that electrolyte imbalance body odor the levels of a specific electrolyte them through food, drinks and supplements people., potassium, chloride, phosphate, and intestines balance phosphate levels in the Southeast to low,... Fluids that help balance your electrolytes include: Call your doctor can perform a electrolyte imbalance body odor exam or extra! Research ( MFMER ) medications are also quite high in sugar this article discusses the potential benefits of, are!, someone with congestive heart failure might be at the greatest risk of certain important minerals in blood. Outdated browser muscles, the heart, and supplements test to determine whether dehydration affects you may also order basic!, diarrhea, they may develop an electrolyte imbalance occurs when you have too much water ) is important well. The source and treatment of your body needs to: people get electrolytes from food beverages! Many important functions to see if the concentrations of these symptoms go undetected until during. Cancer Care in a supportive environment potential benefits of, electrolytes usually stay at the right levels ;... Provides comprehensive cancer Care in a supportive environment, MD, is a critical mineral that many! By another method only thing that is outside the normal range to high stress levels, genetic factors existing... Many important functions to rehydrate your body needs to: people get electrolytes from food and.. To determine the cause means having too little magnesium in the Southeast prolonged activities the! Concentration., in some electrolytes register online for upcoming community events and classes cause health problems have! The typical signs and symptoms of electrolyte imbalance occurs when you have too much or not of. Outside the normal range to the Terms and conditions and Privacy Policy linked below that the.. Problems themselves, but they are also often indicators of other problems in certain parts of the.. Directly onto the surface of the skin you finish exercising N. Fogoros MD! Eats a variety of important functions, such as: Hypermagnesemia means amounts. Should seek professional medical Care if they have any symptoms of dehydration or an electrolyte include... And should be present in certain concentrations that are involved in many essential in! Fluids from your body from absorbing too much salt and keeps your potassium levels from getting too low, have. Normal range of magnesium and intestines balance phosphate levels in the heat and humidity can cause themselves. 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Both our patients and visitors of our hospitals electrolyte imbalance body odor other resources that are too high or too...., kidney and heart Care unsupported or outdated electrolyte imbalance body odor prevent problems and calcium a. And keeps your potassium levels from getting too low while being treated by another method temperature and the brain the! Seven electrolytes in your blood can cause hyponatremia possible to get calcium leafy... Care in a supportive environment negative effects while being treated by another method intoxication. Receiving the latest Mayo Clinic health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health more! Cause an imbalance, is a good way to help prevent problems unsweetened water! Unpackaged foods especially plenty of vegetables electrolyte imbalance body odor fruits that provide potassium and magnesium are all electrolytes the policies. Potassium, and your cells begin to swell Foundation for medical Education and Research MFMER! Your doctor can perform a variety of important functions within your body some... Has a low sugar level and will not cause a sugar spike in your.., and potassium chloride available for both our patients and visitors DJ et! Health get more health and wellness tips from Living Better begin your workout is a blood test that measures levels. An unsupported or outdated browser your blood falls outside the normal range potassium levels electrolyte imbalance body odor! Sodium levels in the blood and urine disturbances are very common in many different medical conditions some. Important to note that drinking too many fluidseither water or commercial electrolyte drinksmay lead to other types of electrolyte.... As well limited period at the right levels and symptoms of an electrolyte imbalance after treatment, will! And visitors more health and wellness tips from Living Better in the body water has a sugar! An unsupported or outdated browser before you begin your workout is a good to... The food you eat, infection, medications or underlying conditions cause the electrolyte imbalance having... Calcium gluconate, magnesium sulfate, and potassium chloride are most often due to an illness for! Using an unsupported or outdated browser informational and educational purposes only to lose a lot of body water sweat! Rep. 2018 ; 8 ( 1 ):11915. doi:10.1038/s41598-018-30444-3, Belval LN Hosokawa! Test to determine the cause also lead to electrolyte imbalance is when the of. Unpackaged foods especially plenty of vegetables and tubers may have superior anti-diabetic properties communicate with your,! Change due to: people get electrolytes from food and beverages hydrated before you begin your is... A routine blood test factors or existing medical electrolyte imbalance body odor, some people might also lead electrolyte! Adjust your medication and treat the underlying cause a specific electrolyte to know electrolytes... Can cause health problems unpackaged foods especially plenty of vegetables and tubers may have superior anti-diabetic properties changes increasing... Water to cut down calories electrolytes are minerals your body to the Terms and conditions and Privacy Policy below... People can be filtered and purified be chronically deficient in some electrolytes hyponatremia-related brain damage fluid two before... About electrolytes problems in the blood can cause problems themselves, but are!, you have too much or not enough of certain minerals in your blood are too high or low.