What does electrolyte imbalance mean?
Electrolyte imbalances occur when the levels of specific minerals in the blood are higher or lower than normal.
Electrolytes are produced by the body, while minerals are absorbed through food, drink and supplements.
Electrolytes in blood, tissues, urine, and other body fluids are essential for health, heart rhythm regulation, muscle and nerve function, body fluid balance, and other organs.
No one is immune to electrolyte imbalances, but infants, children, and the elderly are particularly susceptible.
You belong to the risk group if you have a history of:
- Cancer;
- Burns;
- Cardiovascular diseases;
- Dehydration;
- Hyperhydration (excess water content in the body);
- Eating disorder;
- Kidney disease;
- Liver disease.
Certain medications (drug side effects) may cause mineral imbalances.
Symptoms of electrolyte imbalance vary and depend on the type and severity of the electrolyte imbalance.
The following signs appear:
- confusion and irritation;
- diarrhea or constipation;
- tiredness
- headache;
- arrhythmia;
- muscle spasm;
- nausea and vomiting;
- Numbness or tingling sensation in the limbs.
Source:
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/24019-electrolyte-imbalance
