How to Replace Electrolyte Imbalances

Electrolytes consist of important minerals, which can include sodium, potassium, calcium. As the minerals dissolve in water, the electrolytes in your body will become positive or negative ions, helping to balance fluid levels in your body, as well as regulate your nerve and muscle activity. If electrolyte levels dip as a result of losing too many minerals, you can develop an imbalance, causing dehydration, sweating, diarrhea and other undesirable symptoms. Treating an electrolyte requires replenishing lost electrolytes.

Things You'll Need

• Sports drink
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 6 tsp. sugar
• 1 quart water
• 1 banana
• 16 oz. yogurt
• 1 dill pickle

Instructions

1. 

   Rehydrate with a sports drink.

   Drink an oral rehydration solution such as a sports drink, especially after working out or engaging in a strenuous activity. Sports drinks contains salts, which can help replenish lost electrolytes.

2. Make your own solution. Mix 6 tsp. sugar and 1/2 tsp. salt into 1 quart of water, advises the Mayo Clinic. This concoction can help combat dehydration while maintaining electrolyte levels.

3. 

   Bring your mineral levels back up.

   Replace lost minerals by eating foods such as a banana, yogurt or dill pickle. Bananas can replace lost potassium. Yogurt can replace lost calcium, and a dill pickle can replace lost sodium.

Tips & Warnings

• Signs of an electrolyte imbalance include muscle cramping, dizziness, confusion, nausea and fatigue.

• When you sweat, you lose necessary minerals. Drinking water prior to a workout, during the workout and afterwards, will not only keep you hydrated, but will maintain electrolyte levels.

• Seek immediate medical attention if you develop involuntary muscle spasms. When you lose too much sodium and potassium, an electrolyte imbalance can cause the spasms and lead to unconsciousness.

• In severe instances, intravenous fluids need to be administered to replenish electrolytes.

References

• Mayo Clinic: Dehydration; Treatments and Drugs; Jan. 7, 2011

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• MedlinePlus: Fluid and Electrolyte Balance
• American Council of Exercise; Electrolytes; Understanding Replacement Options; Shawn Dolan