Electrolyte Imbalance - What it Is and How to Prevent

I have recently been given a new name.  The First Son's roomates have dubbed me as "Hydration Mom".   I guess they have heard me preach on the importance of hydration often enough and guzzled down the cases of water and sports drinks I lug into their house any time I  visit.  It is a good joke, but they also know I'm pretty serious about it.  I know these guys are not preparing balanced meals for themselves.  I know they are not getting enough sleep.  I know they are having a college experience and not thinking about taking care of themselves.  It is really easy to allow yourself to become dehydrated and it can really cause some problems.  One thing that can happen is an electrolyte imbalance or disorder.What does an electrolyte imbalance mean?It means the levels of electrolytes in your body are either too high or too low. Electrolytes are naturally occurring elements and compounds in the body. They control important physiologic functions.

Examples of electrolytes include:
  • calcium
  • chloride
  • magnesium
  • phosphate
  • potassium
  • sodium

These substances are present in your blood, bodily fluids, and urine. They’re also ingested with food, drinks, and supplements. Electrolytes need to be maintained in an even balance for your body to function properly. Otherwise, vital body systems can be affected.  Mild forms of electrolyte disorders may not cause any symptoms. Such disorders can go undetected until they are discovered during a routine blood test. Symptoms usually start to appear once a particular disorder becomes more severe.

Not all electrolyte imbalances cause the same symptoms, but many share similar symptoms.  Here are some of the symptoms:

Electrolyte imbalances can be caused by allowing your body to become dehydrated and from losing fluids from an illness, vomiting, diarrhea or sweating.  I typically share information here after some sort of personal experience, so just know this is not an exaggerated statement to scare you!  These things actually do happen and can be quite scary.  So, if you or someone you know has any of these symptoms it is important to take steps for treatment.

The International Marathon Medical Director’s Association offers the following guidelines for maintaining good hydration and electrolyte balance during activity:
  • If your urine is clear to straw colored before a race or workout, you’re well hydrated.
  • You should drink a sports drink containing electrolytes and carbohydrates if your sporting event or workout lasts longer than 30 minutes.
  • Drinking water with a sports drink decreases the beverage’s benefits.
  • Drink when you’re thirsty. Don’t feel you must constantly replenish fluids.
  • Although the needs of each individual differ, a general rule of thumb is to limit fluids to 4-6 ounces every 20 minutes of a race.
  • Seek immediate medical advice if you lose more than 2 percent of your body weight or if you gain weight after running.

I was recently introduced to Biolyte, known as the drinkable IV and I am now a card carrying, cheerleader, biggest fan.  It has also become one of my deliveries to my college aged sons.  Biolyte is a  rehydration drink that has the same amount of electrolyties as an IV bag.

"Biolyte’s foundation is much like an IV because of its equivalent concentration of electrolytes, but I hand selected Biolyte’s other ingredients to match exactly what I would put in someone’s IV who is dehydrated – natural compounds that help repair the liver, ease stomach nausea and can even help your brain function."

– Dr. L. C. Rollins III

Dr. Rollins' wife attends some of my fitness classes and was kind enough to give me some samples.  I have never been a huge fan of sports drinks due to the amount of added sugar in them, so I love that someone finally has prepared a rehydration solution that is so healthy and actually works!Check out the numbers-

 650% MORE ELECTROLYTES than the leading sports drinks50% MORE ELECTROLYTES than children's rehydration products
Biolytes electrolyte concentration is based after standard IV fluid which matches the balance of electrolytes your body needs to feel its best.

Biolyte has several benefits.  According to the website,

“75% of American’s are chronically dehydrated. That means that 1 out of 3 people are living in a chronic state of dehydration. I wanted to change that. Biolyte is comprised of what our bodies are made up of plus ingredients we need to feel our best. That’s the reason why Biolyte has so many applications in our lives. Simply drinking water doesn’t do the trick.”

Check out the Biolyte Benefits to see how it helps with everyday activities, energy boosts, outdoor activities, active adults, illness and overindulgence.  Dr. Rollins, an anesthesiologist, created Biolyte  to provide a beverage that provides the body with the exact ingredients he would have used in an IV to replace the appropriate fluids to the body.  As an anesthesiologist, he understands the science of fluid homeostasis in the body, and specializes in determining what a body needs after dehydration. I have felt the benefits of it after being outdoors sweating during a really long and hot tennis match, used it for a perk during the afternoon when I begin to drag and saw first hand how it helped when one was showing signs of severe dehydration.Interested in trying for yourself?  Check your local grocery store or order from Amazon right here.Remember to stay hydrated and not mess around with ignoring signs of dehydration!Love,Hydration MomEnjoy Your Day!

Fitness, General, Health Tips, Healthy Kitchen, My StoriesBiolyte, electrolyte disorder, electrolyte imbalance, Health, hydration, WellnessComment