Maintaining the delicate balance of sodium, potassium, and vitamin D is essential for overall health. An excess or deficiency in these electrolytes can lead to various disorders, impacting vital bodily functions.
- High or low sodium levels can disrupt fluid balance, affecting blood pressure and causing symptoms like confusion and muscle twitching.
- Abnormal potassium levels may lead to cardiac irregularities and muscle weakness.
- Vitamin D disorders can compromise bone health and immune function.
Our team at Harmony Thyroid, Endocrinology and Diabetes Centre is dedicated to unraveling the intricacies of electrolyte imbalances, offering insights into causes, symptoms, and treatment options. Empower yourself with knowledge to collaborate with our Senior Consultant Endocrinologist, Dr Vikram in optimizing your electrolyte levels for a healthier and more balanced life.
Electrolytes are electrically charged minerals that are crucial for various physiological functions within the human body. The functions of electrolytes are interconnected and vital for maintaining homeostasis (the body’s internal balance). They contribute to nerve impulse transmission, muscle contraction, fluid balance, pH regulation, and nutrient transport. Imbalances in electrolytes, whether due to dehydration, certain medical conditions, or dietary deficiencies, can lead to various health issues, including muscle cramps, weakness, irregular heart rhythms, and neurological disturbances.
Here is a breakdown of the function, source and common disorders related to electrolytes:
Sources: Commonly found in table salt and various processed foods.
Functions: Regulates fluid balance, helps maintain blood pressure, and plays a pivotal role in nerve function and muscle contraction.
Disorders:
- Hypernatremia also known as high sodium levels in the blood, often results from excessive salt intake or dehydration. Potential symptoms can include thirst, fatigue, and in severe cases, seizures or coma.
- Hyponatremia, which is defined by low sodium levels in the blood, can be caused by conditions like kidney disorders or hormonal imbalances. Symptoms range from nausea and headaches to confusion and, in extreme cases, life-threatening cerebral oedema.
Sources: Found in bananas, avocados, coconuts, and leafy greens.
Functions: Essential for nerve function, muscle contraction (including the heart), and maintaining fluid balance.
Disorders:
- Hyperkalemia refers to elevated potassium levels, and causes muscle weakness or heart arrhythmias.
- Hypokalemia, on the other hand, is characterised by low potassium levels and can result from diuretic use or gastrointestinal disorders. It manifests as muscle cramps, weakness, and irregular heart rhythms.
To support optimal health, it is essential to consume a well-balanced diet with a wide range of nutritious foods to ensure an adequate intake of electrolytes and stay properly hydrated.
Vitamin D Disorders
Vitamin D disorders encompass a range of conditions related to inadequate levels or improper metabolism of vitamin D in the body.
Vitamin D
Functions: Plays a role in calcium absorption, immune function and bone health.
Sources: Found in dairy products, such as milk and yoghurt, as well as eggs and seafood.
Disorders: Deficiency or excess can lead to disorders like rickets or hypercalcemia. While inadequate Vitamin D can cause bone pain and increased fracture risk, excessive levels may result in nausea, weakness, and even kidney damage.
Visit Harmony Thyroid, Endocrinology and Diabetes Centre
If you are suffering from any symptoms of electrolyte imbalance and vitamin D disorders, you can schedule an appointment with our Senior Consultant Endocrinologist Dr Vikram from Harmony Thyroid, Endocrinology and Diabetes Centre.
References:
- Balci AK. General characteristics of patients with electrolyte imbalance admitted to emergency department. World Journal of Emergency Medicine. 2013;4(2):113. doi: https://doi.org/10.5847/wjem.j.issn.1920-8642.2013.02.005
- Simon LV, Farrell MW, Hashmi MF. Hyperkalemia. Nih.gov. Published 2019. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470284/
- Shrimanker I, Bhattarai S. Electrolytes. Nih.gov. Published 2019. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK541123/
