Electrolytes regulate many body functions, including water balance, waste removal, and blood pressure.
vgajic/ Getty Images
1.
Headache
When the body is low in electrolytes, it responds to the imbalance, often leading to symptoms.
vgajic/ Getty Images
A chronic headache could indicatelow sodium levels (hyponatremia).
Sodium is essential for balancing the amount of fluid in the body.
When sodium is too low, water moves into the cells, causing them to swell.
A headache is often the first sign when brain cells become swollen.
Other signs may include confusion, irritability, fatigue, and seizures.
Confusion
Several electrolytes, including magnesium, phosphate, and sodium, are essential fornervous system functioning.
These electrolytes allow the nerves to send messages and affect brain function.
When the body does not have enough electrolytes, you may experience cognitive symptoms like confusion or restlessness.
Fatigue
When electrolyte levels are too low, the body cannot function normally, leading to fatigue.
Low sodium levels causefatigue and headaches; low magnesium, phosphate, and potassium levels may also cause fatigue.
Electrolytes balance fluid by controllingthe bodys pH levelor acid-base balance.
Low levels of chloride or sodium may lead to thirst.
Dry Skin
Dehydrationoften leads to an imbalance of electrolytes.
When a person is dehydrated, their body does not have enough water to function properly.
This leads to several symptoms, includingdry skin.
Dry skin can easily become itchy and irritated.
Muscle Contractions and Weakness
The body needs calcium and magnesium to control muscle movement.
People with low electrolytes may also experiencemuscle spasms or cramps.
Irregular Heartbeat
The body needs sufficient calcium, magnesium, and potassium to support the heart.
Dizziness
Feeling dizzy or lightheaded could indicate low chloride, magnesium, potassium, or sodium levels.
Magnesium controls blood pressure, andlow blood pressurecan cause dizziness and fainting.
Dehydration may alsocause dizziness.
Cramps
Muscle crampsare a common sign of low electrolytes.
People with low magnesium, calcium, and potassium levels may notice muscle cramps, aches, or spasms.
Even a small dip in potassium levels can cause painful muscle cramps.
Loss of Appetite
Electrolytes help the digestive system function properly.
People with low electrolyte levels may experience decreased orloss of appetite.
This is harmful because not eating could lead to dehydration and even lower electrolyte levels.
Constipation
Low calcium, magnesium, and potassium levels could cause muscle weakness andchronic constipation.
This affects the muscles in the digestive tract and slows down digestion andgastric motility.
Slower digestion raises the risk of constipation.
Nausea and Vomiting
Low sodium levels may causenausea and vomiting.
Sodium controls fluid balance and nervous system function.Prolonged vomiting may cause dehydration and low levels of other electrolytes.
Electrolyte levels usually need to be significantly low to cause serious medical conditions.
Early signs of low electrolytes include mild symptoms like headaches and muscle cramps.
Seizures
Very low levels of calcium and sodium cancause seizures.
This complication of low electrolytes is more common in infants and children.
A seizure is a serious medical condition that requires immediate medical attention.
Early signs of low calcium include muscle spasms and cramping.
Early signs of low sodium include headaches, fatigue, irritability, confusion, and restlessness.
Low sodium levels affect brain cells, and several cognitive symptoms can occur.
When the sodium level is not corrected, a person may experience a coma.
Other serious complications of low electrolytes include seizures and heart attacks.
What Causes Electrolyte Imbalances?
There are several possible causes ofelectrolyte imbalances.
Our bodies receive electrolytes through the foods and drinks we consume.
Your provider can diagnose an electrolyte imbalance with a simple blood test.
Treating the underlying condition will improve your electrolyte balance.
Summary
Electrolytes are essential minerals that affect every body system.
Even a slight imbalance can cause serious symptoms.
Signs of low electrolytes may include headaches, increased thirst, decreased appetite, muscle cramps, and weakness.
More severe symptoms include an irregular heartbeat, confusion, seizures, and coma.
Fortunately, electrolyte imbalances are treatable.
See a healthcare provider if you are concerned about your electrolyte levels.
MedlinePlus.Fluid and electrolyte balance.
Bove-Fenderson E, Mannstadt M.Hypocalcemic disorders.Best Pract Res Clin Endocrinol Metab.
2018;32(5):639-656. doi:10.1016/j.beem.2018.05.006
MedlinePlus.Low blood potassium.
2015;91(5):299-307.
Schleh MW, Dumke CL.Comparison of sports drink versus oral rehydration solution during exercise in the heat.Wilderness Environ Med.
2018;29(2):185-193. doi:10.1016/j.wem.2018.01.005
