Electrolytes – when and how to replenish their level?

Electrolytes are a key element of our body, playing an important role in maintaining the proper functioning of the nervous system, muscles and cells.It is important to understand the functions of electrolytes, the causes of electrolyte deficiency, the symptoms of electrolyte imbalance, and when and how to replenish their levels.

Electrolytes – what role do they play in the body?

Electrolytes are minerals that occur in the body in the form of ions, i.e. charged particles.The most important electrolytes are sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, chloride and phosphate.They play a key role in many processes occurring in the body, such as:

• Control of water and electrolyte balance: Electrolytes regulate the amount of water in the body, maintaining optimal fluid concentrations in and between cells.
• Conduction of nerve impulses: Sodium and potassium are necessary for the conduction of nerve signals, which is crucial for the function of the nervous system.
• Muscle contractions: Potassium and calcium enable muscles, including the heart, to contract.
• Maintaining acid-base balance: Electrolytes help maintain the appropriate pH of blood and body fluids.

Electrolyte deficiency – causes

Electrolyte deficiency can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

• Improper diet: A diet low in vegetables and fruits may lead to potassium, magnesium and calcium deficiency.
• Excessive sweating: During intense exercise or heat, the body loses many electrolytes, especially sodium and potassium.
• Diseases: Some diseases, such as diarrhea, vomiting, diabetes and kidney failure, can lead to loss of electrolytes.
• Taking medications: Some medications may affect the level of electrolytes in the body, e.g. diuretics may increase potassium excretion.

Electrolytes – deficiency symptoms

Electrolyte deficiency can lead to a variety of symptoms, depending on the type of electrolyte that is deficient.Common symptoms of electrolyte deficiency include:

• Muscle cramps and convulsions (potassium and magnesium deficiency).
• Weakness, fatigue, dizziness (sodium deficiency).
• Heart rhythm problems (potassium and calcium deficiency).
• Muscle cramps and convulsions (potassium and magnesium deficiency).
• Weakness, fatigue, dizziness (sodium deficiency).
• Heart rhythm problems (potassium and calcium deficiency).

When to replenish electrolytes?what do pharmacy rehydration preparations contain?

Supplementing electrolyte levels is necessary in case of their deficiency, which can be confirmed by blood tests.However, it is not always necessary to use rehydration products from the pharmacy.In many cases, electrolytes can be provided through an appropriate diet that includes foods rich in these minerals.However, it is worth knowing that preparations available in pharmacies may be helpful, especially in situations of sudden dehydration or intense physical exercise.

Hydration preparations from pharmacies usually contain appropriate proportions of electrolytes, such as sodium, potassium and magnesium, which help restore the body’s electrolyte balance.They are available in various forms, e.g. powder to be dissolved in water or as effervescent tablets.

Your suggestions

It is worth remembering that electrolyte supplementation should be tailored to the individual needs of the body and depend on the cause of the deficiency.It’s always a good idea to consult your doctor or nutritionist to find out what electrolytes you need and how much.

Recommended articles

If you want to learn more about electrolytes and their role in the body, we recommend reading the following articles:

• “Calcium – why is it so important for bone health?”
• “Potassium – what is its importance for the functioning of the heart and muscles?”
• “Sodium – how to control its intake in the diet?”

By taking care of the electrolyte balance in the body, you can improve your health and well-being, so it is worth paying attention to their proper supply to the body.