Your kidneys play a vital role in keeping you healthy by filtering toxins and excess fluids from your body into your urine. They also help regulate your electrolyte balance. Chronic kidney disease or kidney failure can lead to electrolyte imbalances with potentially serious health complications. Dr. Kanu and his team at Texas Kidney Partners will work with you to restore your electrolyte balance, enhancing your health and quality of life.
What Are Electrolytes?
Electrolytes are minerals with an electric charge that circulate in your blood and are also found in your body fluids and tissues. They include sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, chloride, phosphate, and bicarbonate. Electrolytes help support many of the body’s functions, including balancing your body’s fluids, regulating pH levels, and controlling muscle contractions and nerve function.
Electrolyte imbalances can occur due to various factors. These may include excessive sweating, certain medications, vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, and poor intake or nutrition. In other instances, the body may retain excess fluid, or the kidneys may not function as they should, failing to excrete excess electrolytes and maintain balance.
What Are Signs of Electrolyte Imbalances?
Here are the five most common signs of electrolyte imbalances:
1. Muscle Weakness and Cramping: One of the most common signs of an electrolyte imbalance is muscle cramping. When your electrolyte levels, especially potassium, calcium, or magnesium, are off, you may experience sudden, severe cramping or muscle weakness. If you have noticed more frequent cramping lately, whether during workouts or at rest, it is important to have your electrolyte levels evaluated.
2. Changes in Blood Pressure: Electrolytes play a role in regulating your vascular function and fluid balance, which, in turn, can impact your blood pressure. A significant increase or drop in your blood pressure can result in sodium and fluid level imbalances. If you consistently have high or low blood pressure readings or often feel lightheaded, contact Texas Kidney Partners for an evaluation.
3. Irregular Heartbeat: Your heart needs potassium, calcium, and sodium to maintain optimal function. An imbalance in any of these electrolytes can often lead to palpitations or an irregular heartbeat, which may come across to you as a skipped or extra beat. If you notice any changes in your heart rhythm, seek immediate care to rule out a severe electrolyte imbalance.
4. Fatigue and Lethargy: Persistent fatigue that does not seem related to your activity levels or sleep patterns is often a sign of an electrolyte disturbance. Electrolytes help produce energy and balance fluids, so when their levels are low, you might feel unusually tired or lethargic, impacting your daily activities. Any noticeable changes in your energy levels warrant evaluation to rule out electrolyte imbalances.
5. Confusion or Changes in Mood: Electrolytes play a vital role in brain function. Low levels of electrolytes can lead to confusion, headaches, dizziness, or mood swings. These symptoms should not be ignored, especially if they occur suddenly or are accompanied by other signs of electrolyte imbalances.
What Are the Long-Term Impacts of Electrolyte Imbalances?
Electrolyte imbalances can lead to a range of serious long-term complications. Chronic disturbances in electrolyte levels can affect your vision and increase the risk of osteoporosis, cardiac arrhythmias, and heart attacks. Patients can also suffer serious muscle damage and respiratory distress. If left untreated, electrolyte imbalances can lead to acute or chronic kidney failure. The severity of the complications can vary depending on the specific electrolyte involved, the degree of imbalance, and any unique health concerns.
Things You Can Do to Maintain Your Electrolyte Levels
One of the most important things you can do to maintain your electrolyte balance is to stay hydrated, especially if you are engaged in physical activity. You may want to sip on sports drinks with electrolytes if you are exercising for longer than 30 minutes. We also recommend maintaining a balanced diet rich in essential nutrients and electrolytes. If you have symptoms of an electrolyte imbalance that persist, contact Texas Kidney Partners to schedule a consultation.
Treating Electrolyte Imbalances
The treatment for your electrolyte imbalance will depend on the underlying causes and severity. Dr. Kanu may recommend one or a combination of the following:
- Dietary modifications to address specific electrolyte imbalances
- Oral medication and supplements to replenish low electrolyte levels
- IV fluids to restore your electrolyte balance
- Treating the root causes of electrolyte imbalances, such as chronic kidney disease (CKD)
- Electrolyte replacement through hemodialysis for patients with renal failure
Comprehensive Kidney Care Near Me in McKinney, TX
Dr. Kanu and his team at Texas Kidney Partners are committed to helping our valued patients live healthy, vibrant lives. If you have signs of an electrolyte disturbance, we may recommend lifestyle changes and address any underlying concerns to maintain your kidney health and restore your balance. You can count on us for care that exceeds your expectations. Contact us at 469-613-2343 to schedule a consultation, or complete our online form to request an appointment today!