Feeling dizzy? Feeling dizzy? This could be an electrolyte imbalance!

Do you sometimes feel very tired and lifeless? Or do your limbs suddenly turn over and become numb? The reason for this may be simpler than you think. Today we are talking about 'electrolytes', which are essential for the functioning of our body. Symptoms like these appear when these are out of balance. So let's see what this is, why it happens, and how to fix it.

What are these electrolytes?

Simply put, electrolytes are essential minerals found in our body fluids, especially blood, sweat, and urine. Think of our body as a machine powered by a battery. These electrolytes are the tiny chemicals that keep this battery charged and working properly. The most important of these are sodium, potassium, calcium , chloride, and phosphate. Our bodies need to have these in the right amounts and concentrations. Our kidneys play a major role in maintaining this balance by regulating things like sodium levels as needed by the body. So, if for some reason these electrolyte levels become too high or too low in the body, we call that condition an electrolyte imbalance .

Why are electrolytes so important for our bodies?

These are involved in almost every process in our body. Without them, our body cannot function smoothly. Let's take a look at their main functions.

• Controlling body fluid levels: These regulate the amount of water in the body and the fluidity of blood plasma.
• Controlling blood pH : These help keep the acidity/alkalinity (pH) of our blood within a certain range.
• Muscle function: These are essential for the contraction and relaxation of every muscle in our body, including the beating of the heart .
• Neurotransmission : These electrolytes generate the electrical signals that transmit messages between cells in the brain, heart, muscles, and other parts of the body.
• Other functions: In addition, they help blood clot and create new tissues in the body.

What causes electrolyte imbalance?

Most of the time, this condition occurs when a large amount of fluid is suddenly removed from our body. Imagine that you have been playing cricket in the sun and have sweated a lot. Or you have vomited or had diarrhea (stomach ache) and lost a lot of fluid. At times like these, along with the fluid, the valuable electrolytes in our body are also released. In fact, when we sweat a lot, we can lose between 2% and 6% of our body weight. If we do not drink enough water again at that time, the electrolyte concentration drops. Let us explain some of the main reasons that affect this in more detail in the table below.

What could be the symptoms of this?

Electrolytes are involved in many essential functions in the body, so we can quickly feel their levels decreasing or increasing. However, these symptoms may vary slightly depending on which electrolyte is deficient/increased. These are the symptoms that are commonly seen:

• Cramps : Frequent muscle cramps, numbness in the hands and feet.
• Dizziness and Weakness: Feeling light-headed, tired, and dizzy.
• Irregular Heartbeat: A feeling that the heart rate is suddenly increasing, decreasing, or beating in an irregular pattern.
• Mental Confusion: Feeling dizzy, having trouble remembering things, and not being able to think clearly.

Important: If you experience one or more of these symptoms, especially if you feel your heart beating fast with chest pain, or if you feel like you are losing consciousness, it is very important to go to a hospital's Emergency Department (ETU) immediately .

Okay, so how do you get these electrolytes back into your body?

Maintaining this electrolyte balance is not that difficult. If we take a little care, this can be done easily.

1. Drink plenty of water.

This is the simplest and best way, especially if you are an exerciser.

• Drink plenty of water two hours before exercising.
• Drink some water every 20 minutes while exercising.
• Drink plenty of water after you finish exercising.

2. Choose the right drinks

• Orange water: This is a great drink that naturally contains electrolytes. It's low in sugar, so it doesn't spike your blood sugar. But try to drink natural oranges instead of packaged, sugar-added ones whenever possible.
• Electrolyte or Sports Drinks : If you're exercising for more than 75 minutes, you can quickly replenish lost electrolytes by drinking a sports drink. These usually contain sodium chloride and potassium chloride. But read the label to make sure it actually contains electrolytes.
• Don't do this with fizzy drinks or energy drinks. They will only cause your blood sugar levels to spike suddenly.

3. Eat foods rich in electrolytes

Adding foods like these to our meals can also help maintain electrolyte levels.

• Electrolytes are abundant in foods like potatoes, avocados, spinach, bananas, oranges, strawberries, and turkey meat .

If your symptoms do not improve after doing these things, be sure to see your doctor for advice. He or she will examine you and, if necessary, do a blood test to check your kidney function. electrolyte imbalance, electrolytes, dehydration, sodium, potassium, cramps, dizziness, sports drinks, water drink, electrolytes, dehydration, sodium, potassium, conditions, dizziness