Dorothy FarrarElectrolytes
If the body loses large amounts of fluid during diarrhea, it also loses vital electrolytes . These are salts that the body cannot produce itself. They must therefore be supplied in sufficient quantities through the diet. Larger electrolyte losses can lead to serious problems.
What are Electrolytes?
Electrolytes, also known as minerals , are substances that can conduct electricity in an aqueous solution. They can be found in the human organism in very low concentrations. Conduction occurs by breaking down into positively and negatively charged ions. However, electrolytes do not provide energy. Rather, they have an important meaning for almost all processes in the organism. They can be found in the organism inside and outside the cells. Well-known electrolytes are chloride, potassium, calcium, magnesium, sodium and phosphate.
Important electrolytes:
- Chloride
- Sodium
- phosphate
Occurrence in food
Electrolytes come in liquid or solid form. Electrolytes are found in many foods and beverages. A balanced diet can prevent a lack of electrolytes. Minerals are mainly found in fresh fruit and vegetables, salads and whole grain products. Food should be prepared as gently as possible to minimize the loss of minerals. Many minerals can also be found in dietary supplements. However, in order to keep the electrolyte balance in balance, an excessive intake of minerals that are not required should be avoided.
Why are electrolytes important for the body?
There is an interaction between the individual electrolytes. Calcium, for example, is considered to be the antagonist of magnesium and causes muscles to contract , while magnesium ensures relaxation. A mismatch between both minerals can lead to muscle cramps. Basically, electrolytes are required for the transmission of information in the nervous system. They regulate the electrical voltage on the outer cell walls and thus contribute to the transmission of nerve impulses. In addition, electrolytes control the water balance.
In view of the fact that the human body consists of more than 60 percent water, the importance of electrolytes is very high. The regulation of the water balance takes place through different concentrations in the cells and outside of them. The water balance, in turn, influences the correct composition of other fluids in the body (e.g. cerebrospinal fluid, bile, gastrointestinal fluids, synovial fluid).
What is an electrolyte imbalance?
If the body excretes too many electrolytes or absorbs too many, an electrolyte disorder (electrolyte deficiency or excess) can occur. Electrolyte imbalance can lead to an imbalance and have different effects on the body. Diarrhea , vomiting or excessive sweating and kidney damage are usually the causes of electrolyte imbalances. Disturbances in distribution between the electrolytes in the cells and outside the cells can also occur. This changes the concentrations of the individual electrolytes, which can sometimes have pathological consequences.
Consequences of electrolyte deficiency
Typical consequences of electrolyte imbalances are dehydration or overhydration. But confusion due to altered nerve activity and cardiac arrhythmias can also occur. However, since these symptoms do not clearly indicate changes in the electrolyte balance, a disorder can usually only be determined by means of a blood test .
A slight deviation is usually not a cause for concern. Significant deviations from the standard values in connection with symptoms require treatment. In most cases, there are massive electrolyte imbalances in potassium, calcium and sodium.
In the case of acidosis (disorder of the acid-base balance), an attempt can be made to balance it out with water. However, if the lack of water is far advanced and can no longer be compensated for, an infusion with an electrolyte solution must be given.
Dehydration is already evident in the absence of a water volume of around two percent through signs such as headaches , low blood pressure, low urine volume, dry mouth or even dizziness . This can lead to visual disturbances , mental confusion or even fainting .
If left untreated, the result is delirium, swelling of the tongue, and then death from thirst.
How can an electrolyte loss be compensated?
Adequate fluid intake that is well distributed throughout the day can prevent such problems. Fruit and vegetables containing pectin and a high-fiber diet are also important to maintain the electrolyte balance.
Medicine uses drinks containing sodium and potassium salts to compensate for electrolyte loss due to dehydration. Standardized electrolyte solutions containing sodium citrate are also available in pharmacies. This promotes the absorption of fluid from the intestines and also supports the absorption of electrolytes.
Application in naturopathy
Electrolytes are also used in naturopathy. This is especially the case with diarrhea, which is not only uncomfortable but also quite common. Naturopathy knows numerous means with which a weakening of the body due to infections caused by viruses and the diarrhea associated with them can be prevented. However, for naturopaths, diarrhea is a necessary bodily reaction to get rid of pathogens and possible toxins. The problem with diarrhea: the loss of electrolytes is very high. The minerals can no longer be reabsorbed in the large intestine, so they are lost. In naturopathic medicine, electrolytes are then used in different forms. In addition to solutions, globules of various substances in different potencies are also used.
intolerance and overdose
Electrolyte overdose can cause certain side effects. If there are already functional disorders of the kidneys, an excess of electrolytes can lead to an unbalanced water and salt balance.
In the case of existing diabetes mellitus, an electrolyte solution with salt and glucose can lead to hyperglycaemia and, in the worst case, to diabetic coma. If the kidney function is intact, overdoses usually do not cause any side effects or symptoms of poisoning.
Basically, side effects do not have to occur in every patient. Stomach irritation as well as nausea and vomiting have already been observed when increased potassium intake occurs. Interactions when taking other medications at the same time cannot be ruled out.
In principle, if electrolytes are used as intended, no intolerance or other side effects due to overdose will occur, provided there are no allergies to certain substances.
Hello and welcome to my Health Guide & Encyclopedia! My name is Dorothy Farrar, and I'm the founder and main author of this platform.
My passion for health and wellness started at a young age when I became interested in the connection between the food we eat and the way we feel. This fascination led me to study nutrition and dietetics in college, where I learned about the importance of a balanced diet and the impact of various nutrients on the body.