The type of treatment will also depend on the severity of the imbalance. However, the symptoms of an imbalance can be severe, and a person may need to be hospitalized and monitored during the treatment. Doctors mainly use this to treat an electrolyte shortage alongside dehydration, which tends to follow severe diarrhea. In more severe cases of an electrolyte shortage, healthcare professionals may administer the electrolyte orally or through an IV drip.
An infusion of saltwater solution or compound sodium lactate, for example, can help treat a shortage of sodium. Some causes of an electrolyte shortage, such as kidney disease, are not preventable. In general, having a well-managed diet can help reduce the risk of low electrolyte levels.
Also, having a moderate amount of a sports drink during or after any kind of exertion or exercise can help limit the effects of losing electrolytes through sweat. For people who do not need treatment in a hospital, a doctor may recommend dietary changes or supplements to balance electrolyte concentrations.
When levels of an electrolyte are too low, it is important to have foods and drinks that contain high amounts of that electrolyte. Here are some options:. It is worth knowing how much of each electrolyte is in a type of food or drink. The Department of Agriculture has a searchable database of nutritional contents. Supplements are also an option for managing low levels of an electrolyte. For example, older adults often do not consume enough potassium, and treatments with corticosteroids or diuretic medications can also reduce these levels.
In this case, potassium tablets can boost the concentration in the blood. Some sports drinks, gels, and candies can restore levels of electrolytes such as sodium and potassium during and after exercise.
They can also help the body retain water. However, these products sometimes contain high electrolyte contents, and consuming too much can lead to an excess. Some also contain high levels of sugar. It is important to carefully follow any treatment or supplementation plan that a health professional recommends. Restoring the balance of electrolytes by making dietary changes should lead to an improvement in symptoms.
If it does not, a doctor may order further tests to identify any underlying health conditions that may be causing the imbalance.
Recommended intakes of some of the most common electrolytes are as follows:. An imbalance can affect the way the body works and lead to a range of symptoms.
For example, if a person feels faint after a workout, an electrolyte imbalance could be one reason. Consuming electrolytes during or after intense exercise and other periods of profuse sweating can help preserve the balance.
Be sure to stay hydrated at all times. Anyone with concerns should contact a healthcare professional. Antioxidants are mostly found in plant foods. They are natural molecules that help neutralize harmful free radicals in our bodies. Free radicals are…. Randomized control trials are very high quality studies, and meta-analyses look at many of them to draw conclusions.
It's an in depth clinical guide for medical professionals. Checkout Continue shopping. Account Your bag. Take The Quiz. So what is Hydrant? Other stories about dehydration If you want to read more about what dehydration does to the human body, click here. Hydrate 30 pack. Just once Subscribe. Energy 30 pack. Immunity 30 pack. References: At Hydrant, we like to go one step further with our references and add some information that gives context to the link.
More on body body. In the short term, vomiting and diarrhea are usually not serious conditions. However, severe or persistent symptoms can quickly lead to dehydration if fluids and electrolytes are not replaced.
Infants and children are especially vulnerable to dehydration from severe vomiting and diarrhea. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends using an oral rehydration solution at the first signs of illness to prevent dehydration 8. Oral rehydration solutions contain water, carbs and electrolytes in specific proportions that are easy to digest. A popular example is Pedialyte. Sports drinks are similar but contain higher amounts of sugar.
Sports drinks may be tolerated by older children if diluted to 1 part water, 1 part sports drink. Adults typically tolerate both oral rehydration solutions and sports drinks without issues 8 , 9. Importantly, electrolyte beverages may not be sufficient for treating severe dehydration. Illnesses, such as vomiting and diarrhea, can cause you to lose fluid and electrolytes rapidly. Oral rehydration solutions are recommended for replenishment. Hot environments put you at risk for a variety of heat-related illnesses, which range from mild heat rash to life-threatening heatstroke.
Normally, your body manages heat by releasing it through your skin and by sweating. However, this cooling system may begin to fail in hot weather, causing your body temperature to rise to dangerously high levels The key to preventing heat-related illnesses is to limit your time in the heat. However, getting plenty of fluid and electrolytes is also extremely important to help your body stay cool In hot environments, water and sports drinks are recommended for hydration over other beverages.
Drinks containing caffeine such as soda, coffee and tea may worsen dehydration, as can alcohol Prolonged exposure to heat puts you at risk for heatstroke. Consuming adequate amounts of fluids and electrolytes is recommended to help your body stay cool. Adequate hydration is essential for overall health. Water is necessary for virtually all body functions, including transporting nutrients, regulating body temperature and flushing out waste and toxins 2.
Both electrolyte and regular water count towards your daily fluid needs, as do other beverages such as coffee , tea, fruit juices and milk. In reality, it depends on the circumstances. You may want to consider an electrolyte-enhanced beverage if:. Outside of sports, hot weather and illness, regular water works just fine to meet your day-to-day hydration needs.
Though electrolyte water may have benefits under certain circumstances, regular water is sufficient for meeting your general hydration needs.
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