02/10/2023
All about electrolytes and body hydration
You've probably heard about how important sufficient fluid intake is for our health. But did you know that the balance of electrolytes in the body is also crucial for the proper functioning of the body? In this article, you will learn what electrolytes are, what are the possible causes of their imbalance in the body and how to effectively replenish them if you are deficient.
Why is body hydration important?
In order for our body to survive, it must have enough water. Hydration is therefore absolutely crucial for the proper functioning of the body. Drinking enough fluids is essential for proper body temperature regulation, prevention of many diseases and proper organ function. Adequate hydration also improves the quality of sleep, our mood and the body's cognitive functions.
When more fluids leave the body than you consume, dehydration occurs, which can in extreme cases be even a life-threatening condition.
How does dehydration manifest itself?
How does dehydration manifest itself? Initially, the symptoms are very subtle and include a feeling of thirst and dark colored urine. There may also be a headache, dizziness, constipation, or dry mouth. If the dehydration is moderate to severe, symptoms may include low blood pressure, rapid pulse, nausea, and irritability.
In children, the symptoms of dehydration may be different than in adults; in infants, you may recognize dehydration especially by dry, chapped lips or less frequent urination.
How to deal with dehydration of the organism?
How does dehydration manifest itself? Initially, the symptoms are very subtle and include a feeling of thirst and dark colored urine. There may also be a headache, dizziness, constipation, or dry mouth. If the dehydration is moderate to severe, symptoms may include low blood pressure, rapid pulse, nausea, and irritability.
In children, the symptoms of dehydration may be different than in adults; in infants, you may recognize dehydration especially by dry, chapped lips or less frequent urination.
What are electrolytes?
Above we mentioned that in case of dehydration, drinks containing electrolytes are very effective. What is the definition of electrolytes and what function do they perform in the body?
Electrolytes are naturally occurring minerals found in blood, sweat and urine that are essential for normal body functions and our overall health. For the human body, the most important electrolytes are magnesium, calcium, potassium, sodium, phosphate, bicarbonate and chloride. If these substances are not in balance, it can result in a number of health problems, both mild and serious.
What are the causes of electrolyte imbalances in the body?
What are the possible causes of electrolyte imbalances? Several factors may be to blame. In addition to dehydration of the body, these include prolonged physical stress, long-term use of certain medications (e.g. diuretics), impaired kidney function or excessive alcohol consumption and frequent smoking. The culprit may also be a malabsorption of nutrients from the diet or a poor diet.
What are the symptoms of electrolyte deficiency?
What symptoms tell you that you too are struggling with electrolyte deficiency? Symptoms of an electrolyte imbalance vary depending on the severity and electrolyte type. The most common symptoms include muscle twitches and cramps, swelling, restlessness and anxiety, poor concentration, excessive fatigue, insomnia, confusion, constipation or diarrhea, changes in blood pressure, and cardiovascular problems.
Treatment of electrolyte imbalances
Now we come to what to do if you are experiencing electrolyte imbalance symptoms. Treatment varies depending on what type of electrolyte imbalance you suffer from and what condition caused the imbalance. However, the most common approach is to take various electrolyte dietary supplements, such as in the form of hydration powders, also known as oral rehydration salts.
TIP: ELOTRANS® electrolyte sachets
If your body needs fluid and electrolyte replacement, reach for the food supplement ELOTRANS® reload, which contribute to the balance of fluid and electrolytes in the body and lead to a rapid improvement of dehydration and electrolyte deficiency.
For infants and children , medicinal product ORALPÄDON® 240 sachets are suitable for compensating for water and electrolyte loss during diarrhoea.
ELOTRANS® reload is a food supplement with sugar and sweeteners. It is an isotonic electrolyte glucose mixture containing magnesium that contributes to electrolyte balance.
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