Electrolytes

Electrolytes are chemicals in the blood stream that help regulate the body's vital functions. When dissolved in water, electrolytes divide into positively and negatively charged ions. Nerve and muscle function depends on the exchange of these ions inside and outside of cells.

Types of Electrolytes

Some examples of electrolytes include calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium and chloride. They, with other electrolyte chemicals, maintain a delicate balance within the body for optimal function.

Low-Level Imbalance

When electrolyte levels are low in the body, irregular heartbeat, confusion, blood pressure changes, nervous system or bone disorders are among the things that may occur.

High-Level Imbalance

When electrolyte levels are high in the body, weakness or twitching of the muscles, numbness, fatigue, irregular heartbeat or blood pressure changes may occur.

Possible Causes

Electrolyte imbalance can be caused by loss of body fluids through fever, vomiting or diarrhea, an inadequate diet and lack of vitamins, malabsorption (the inability of the body to absorb the electrolytes due to a number of factors), hormonal or endocrine disorder, kidney disease or a complication of chemotherapy known as tumor lysis syndrome.

Source:

Chemocare: Electrolyte Imbalance

Nephrology Channel: Electrolyte Imbalance

More Information:

Wrong Diagnosis: Electrolyte Imbalance