Fluid Electrolyte Imbalance

Electrolytes are electrically charged minerals that are in your blood, urine and other body fluids. Fluid and electrolyte balance is essential to good health. An imbalance can create serious medical problems that may cause permanent damage if left untreated.

Common Electrolytes

• Electrolytes are found in food. Common electrolytes are sodium, calcium, phosphorus, potassium and magnesium.

Function of Electrolytes

• Electrolytes balance blood chemistry and maintain other chemical processes in the body.

Causes of Imbalance

• Imbalance can occur in a number of ways. The most common causes are dehydration and not consuming enough food with electrolytes. Medications and kidney problems may also lead to an imbalance.

Problems Resulting from Imbalance

• Imbalance can lead to medical conditions that interfere with normal body function. Some common disorders are hyponatremia, hypernatremia, hypokalemia, hyperkalemia, hypocalcemia and hypercalcemia--imbalances of sodium, potassium and calcium, respectively.

Correction of an Imbalance

• Imbalances can usually be corrected with dietary changes. Doctors may prescribe medication or supplements and suggest eating certain types of food.