What makes your electrolytes low

Sign up! A level under three can cause muscle weakness, spasms, cramps, paralysis and respiratory problems. If it continues, kidney problems may occur. High potassium hyper kalemia may not cause any symptoms, although you may experience muscle weakness or abnormal heart rhythms. If the level goes very high, the heart can stop beating. Low calcium hypo calcemia may not cause symptoms, but chronically low levels can cause changes in skin, nails and hair; yeast infections; and cataracts.

As levels drop, muscle irritability and cramps particularly in legs and back may develop. Calcium under seven causes changes in your reflexes hyperreflexia , muscle spasms, spasms of the larynx voice box and seizures. High calcium hyper calcemia may not cause symptoms. As calcium rises, constipation, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, neuromuscular symptoms and bowel obstruction ileus may occur. Above 12, emotional swings, confusion, delirium and stupor occur. Above 18, it may result in shock, kidney failure and death.

Persistent or severe hypercalcemia can damage kidneys and cause heart problems, including rhythm changes and heart attack. Low magnesium hypo magnesemia may cause symptoms similar to low potassium or calcium.

An extremely low level can be life-threatening. High magnesium hyper magnesemia may cause low blood pressure, breathing problems slow, ineffective breathing and heart problems cardiac arrest.

Low phosphate hypo phosphatemia can cause muscle weakness, respiratory failure, heart failure, seizures and coma. DKA is a serious complication of diabetes in which cells burn fat instead of glucose. So critical, in fact, that severe dehydration can cause death. That sounds grim, I know. However, it's vital to understand the importance of staying hydrated.

It's not just about drinking some water every day. When your body becomes low on electrolytes, it can impair your body's functions, such as blood clotting, muscle contractions, acid balance, and fluid regulation. Your heart is a muscle, so that means electrolytes help regulate your heartbeat. The last thing you want when you are on the field or the track is to have to worry about a looming electrolyte imbalance in your body.

You need to know that your body and, most importantly, your heart is armed with what it needs to perform optimally. This article will discuss what electrolytes are, what causes low electrolytes, the symptoms of low electrolytes, and how to replenish them.

E lectrolytes are electrically charged minerals and compounds that help your body regulate many critical functions. Some examples of electrolytes include:. These minerals and compounds are present in your blood, bodily fluids, and urine and can be replenished by food and drinks that are rich in electrolytes.

Your body must maintain proper electrolyte balance to function properly. If you have been sweating profusely or have had prolonged vomiting or diarrhea, your electrolytes can become unbalanced.

Other causes include not eating or drinking enough, chronic respiratory problems, or higher than normal pH levels metabolic alkalosis. Certain medications are also known to affect electrolyte levels, such as diuretics, laxatives, steroids, certain antibiotics, and seizure medications.

Water is the most natural choice for hydration. It is less expensive and more available than any other drink. Coconut water is another alternative for replenishing electrolytes. Coconut water is low on the glycemic index, so it won't dramatically affect your blood sugar.

Studies have also shown that it may help reduce blood pressure and cholesterol — a heart-healthy reason to drink it. However, sports drinks are often more appealing. Sports drinks contain electrolytes and carbohydrates, which replenish body energy. Many sports drinks have sodium chloride or potassium chloride added to them, which are major electrolytes lost when exercising.

The added sugar and flavor in these drinks often entice people to drink a larger quantity compared to water. Carbonated soft drinks , fruit juices and energy drinks should all be avoided as hydration sources. They contain far too much sugar and empty calories. The carbohydrates in these drinks offer only short bursts of energy rather than long-term benefits. Normal Adult Values Calcium: 4. What Is An Electrolyte Imbalance?

Causes for an electrolyte imbalance may include: Loss of body fluids from prolonged vomiting, diarrhea, sweating or high fever. Inadequate diet and lack of vitamins from food. Malabsorption - your body may be unable to absorb these electrolytes due to a variety of stomach disorders, medications, or may be how food is taken in.

Hormonal or endocrine disorders. Kidney disease. A complication of chemotherapy is tumor lysis syndrome. This occurs when your body breaks down tumor cells rapidly after chemotherapy, causing a low blood calcium level, high blood potassium levels, and other electrolyte abnormalities. Chemotherapy drugs cisplatin.