Water & Electrolyte Imbalance
By Lane Madison, eHow Contributor
The human body is composed of up to 60 percent water. Our bodies
need adequate fluid and electrolyte levels to regulate body functions.
Physical activity, medications, illnesses and environm ental factors can
cause dehydration or hyper hydration and corresponding electrolyte
imbalances. It is important to recognize the symptoms and causes of
electrolyte imbalance, and try to avoid them.
Water
oThe human body needs water to produce blood and di gestive fluids, transport and
absorb nutrients and eliminate waste. The average healthy adult uses approximately
10 cups (2.5 liters) of water performing basic bodily functions. The foods and liquids
you consume replenish the water and electrolytes in your body.
Electrolytes
oElectrolytes--particularly calcium, potassium and sodium --help fluid levels in the
body. Each electrolyte performs a specific function and must stay at the right levels.
The body typically regulates the amounts of fluid and electrolytes in the body,
utilizing what it needs and excreting excess fluids and electrolytes. Dehydration,
insufficient fluid levels and hyper hydration--excessively high fluid levels--can cause
imbalances of specific electrolytes and result in potentially dangerous health
conditions.
Dehydration
oWhen your body uses more water and electrolytes than you replace, you can
become dehydrated. Common causes of dehydration include vomiting, diarrhea,
fever, excess sweating and intense physical activity. Young children, s eniors and
people with chronic illnesses are at higher risk for dehydration. In some cases,
dehydration can result in high levels of calcium (hypercalcemia), potassium
(hyperkalemia) and sodium (hypernatremia). Increasing fluid intake can treat most
cases of dehydration and high electrolyte levels. Severe cases may require medical
treatment.
