Your body is made up of several components, electrolytes among them. Electrolytes are simply minerals that aid in different body processes. They include potassium, calcium, sodium, magnesium, phosphate, bicarbonate, and chloride. Each electrolyte has a different function to fulfill; sodium aids in the balance of bodily fluids, potassium helps in the functioning of nerves, calcium strengthens bones, and magnesium aids the proper functioning of muscles and nerves. The most significant mineral in your body is sodium, followed by potassium. Sodium is significant in the extracellular fluid, while potassium in intracellular fluid. Generally, minerals are present in body fluids such as blood, urine, and sweat. The source of the minerals include drinks, food, and supplements.

Each mineral should be within a certain level in a healthy body. However, minerals can become deficient when you live on an unhealthy diet. The levels can also be affected by medications like diuretics or medical conditions that cause excessive vomiting or diarrhea. Diuretics like furosemide can cause low levels of potassium, also known as hypokalemia. Similarly, conditions like cholera, cause excessive diarrhea, leading to the depletion of sodium and potassium.

Electrolyte imbalance.

This is a state in which the levels of electrolytes in your body are either high or low. In most cases, the condition is used to describe a state in which electrolytes are too low in the body. When electrolytes fall below their normal level, they hinder proper body functions such as muscle and nerve function and affect the body’s normal pH. In some cases, electrolyte imbalances are fatal when the levels are extremely low.

When your imbalance is mild, you will hardly present with symptoms of an imbalance. However, when moderate to severe, you will start to notice general symptoms such as dizziness, confusion, persistent headaches, irregular heartbeats, tingling sensation, and muscle cramping. In severe cases, convulsions can occur, making the imbalance fatal. However, the symptoms can differ based on the electrolyte that is deficient in your body. For example, if you have calcium deficiency, you will notice symptoms such as muscle and joint weakness, general body fatigue, and irritability. On the other hand, symptoms of magnesium deficiency include tingling sensation and twitching of muscles. The moment you notice these symptoms, you should visit a physician, who will carry out a blood test to check for the levels of each electrolyte in your body.

A deficiency of electrolytes is usually treated by replenishing the deficient minerals. After your doctor identifies the deficient mineral, he or she may suggest one of the three solutions below:

• Oral therapy.
• Intravenous therapy.
• Dietary therapy.

Oral therapy can be in the form of oral rehydration therapy (ORT) and supplements. ORT is suitable for electrolyte imbalance due to excessive diarrhea that causes low sodium and potassium. The therapy, therefore, contains potassium and sodium to boost the levels of the two. Supplements are also oral therapy. They are in the form of tablets or capsules. They can be used for long-term or short-term management of the condition. Intravenous minerals are usually in the form of salts to aid solubility. They are usually given as a drip and directly enter the bloodstream to boost the deficient minerals. Due to this aspect, intravenous therapy is best for severe electrolyte imbalance. There are also mineral shots given intravenously that serve the same function. This is meant to raise the levels of electrolytes if you have mild electrolyte imbalance. Your doctor will recommend increasing your intake of foods rich in the electrolyte you are lacking. Therefore, if your potassium levels are low, your doctor will recommend foods like bananas, plain yogurt, or unpeeled potatoes. If magnesium is low, pumpkin seeds and spinach easily raise the levels to normal.

Do different mineral shots effectively treat electrolyte imbalances?

Yes, different mineral shots are effective in treating electrolyte imbalances. The type of imbalance usually determines the type of mineral shot you receive. Therefore, if you have a sodium deficiency, you will receive a sodium shot. If you have several deficiencies such as potassium, sodium, and magnesium, some mineral shots are combined formulations to raise each of the minerals’ levels. Since they are injected into the muscle or vein, mineral shots are usually available in the salt form. Salts like chlorides improve the solubility of the shot, and therefore, its absorption.

Vital Force IV Therapy is a clinic in Hoover, Alabama that provides services such as electrolyte replacement. We ensure your body is healthy and functioning properly by boosting the levels of minerals that are deficient in your body. Give us a call at 205-352-9141 to book your appointment if you notice any symptoms of electrolyte imbalance.