Introduction
Electrolyte imbalance occurs when there is an alteration in the levels of minerals in the blood. The signs and symptoms of the electrolyte imbalance differ depending on the severity and the type of electrolyte causing weakness and muscle spasms. Electrolytes are the minerals present in the blood; electrolyte imbalance occurs when there is a fluctuation in the water content in the body.
What Is the Function of Electrolytes?
The electrolyte is the water content present in the body. People consume electrolytes from food and beverages. The kidney and liver are maintaining the electrolyte balance. The functions of electrolytes are
- Sodium helps to monitor the fluid level and maintains nerve and muscle function.
- Potassium helps in heart, nerve, and muscle functions. Potassium helps in metabolism, aids in moving essential nutrients into the cell, and eliminates waste.
- Phosphate helps in the skeletal, muscular, and nervous system.
- Chloride maintains healthy blood levels, body fluids, and blood pressure.
- Calcium helps to monitor blood pressure through vessel expansion and contraction. It also aids in synthesizing enzymes and hormones that help the nervous system.
- Magnesium helps in the growth of bones and teeth and helps in the functioning of the nerves and muscles.
- Bicarbonate helps to monitor the pH balance and also helps to eliminate carbon dioxide through blood.
What Is Meant by Electrolyte Imbalance?
Electrolyte imbalance is when the electrolyte level increases or decreases, which can signify other conditions in the body. Electrolytes are charged minerals that produce an electrical charge when dissolved in fluids like urine or blood. Electrolytes are obtained from food, drinks, and supplements; the body also produces these. Electrolytes in the blood, urine, bodily fluids, and tissue play a significant role in balancing body fluids, monitoring the heart, and aiding muscle and nerve functioning.
What Are the Causes of Electrolyte Imbalance?
Water contributes to half of the body weight of a person. The blood and fluids hold this water in and around the cells. The kidneys, liver, and other organs play a role in moving the electrolytes in and out of the cells, which helps to adjust the levels of fluids. Some underlying health conditions can impact the electrolytes' movements and balance. Electrolyte imbalance occurs when there is fluctuation in the levels of the electrolytes.
What Are the Risk Factors Associated With Electrolyte Imbalance in Elderly People?
Older adults are at higher risk of electrolyte imbalance, but certain conditions can also cause electrolyte imbalance. Some conditions are
- Cancer.
- Eating disorder.
- Heart failure.
- Increased blood pressure.
- Liver and kidney condition.
- Substance abuse.
- Water intoxication is caused due to increased intake of water.
What Are the Reasons for Electrolyte Imbalance in Elderly People?
Elderly people are at more risk of electrolyte imbalance. The main cause of electrolyte imbalance in the elderly is due to dehydration. Many underlying conditions cause electrolyte imbalance. Some are
- The kidney plays a vital role in managing electrolyte balance, but as a person ages, it may fail to perform some of its functions.
- The various medications taken by older adults, such as diuretics, can result in electrolyte imbalance.
- Elderly people will not take enough food or drinks for various reasons such as disability, loss of appetite, or loss of thirst, or some may not have access to food or drinks.
Caregivers or family members should have a watch on elderly people for signs of dehydration. The caregiver should ensure proper intake of food and fluids by the elderly people. The signs of dehydration are
- Dryness of mouth.
- Sunken eyes.
- Drowsiness.
- Dizziness.
- Reduced blood pressure.
- Dryness of skin.
- Confusion.
- Disorientation.
Why Are Elderly People More Susceptible to Dehydration?
Dehydration occurs when there is a loss of more fluid than fluid intake. Various reasons for dehydration are,
- As a person ages, the amount of water in the body reduces, as there will be a decline in overall body fluid. There will be reduced water reserves as the body ages.
- The thirsty response of the body is the signal given by the body for intake of water. This response gets weaker as a person ages. So, elderly people may fail to consume more water.
- The kidney may fail to perform certain functions as the person ages, which causes more water to be lost through urination.
- Due to disability issues, many older people will struggle to prepare electrolyte-rich food.
- Due to some chronic illnesses such as dementia, diabetes, or kidney conditions, retaining water in the body is complex.
- Seniors take many medications, and certain medications can cause electrolyte imbalance.
What Is the Impact of Overhydration?
The primary key to hydration is balance, as dehydration causes harmful effects, and even over-hydration results in complications. Intake of excessive amounts of water can cause dilution of electrolytes present in the body. This condition usually occurs with sodium, which can result in a dangerous condition called hyponatremia, which results in low serum sodium. Some common signs of low serum sodium are
- Fatigue.
- Restlessness.
- Headache.
- Muscle cramp.
- Confusion.
- Nausea.
- Reduced energy.
What Are Electrolyte Drinks?
Electrolyte drinks are essential for older adults at a greater risk of dehydration and those who find it challenging to take proper food rich in electrolyte content, such as meat, nuts, leafy greens, fruits, and vegetables. The purpose of the electrolyte solution is to rehydrate, where the electrolyte solution is a combination of water and essential electrolytes like sodium, magnesium, and potassium. Intake of sodium is very important as it is the primary electrolyte lost through sweat and the electrolyte lost due to overhydration.
Which Electrolyte Drink Is Good for the Elderly People?
A good electrolyte drink should contain the proper amount of electrolytes, be sugar-free, and be free of artificial ingredients. Home-made electrolyte drinks are one of the best electrolyte drinks that contain water, salt, potassium, magnesium, and a small amount of lemon juice. Still, every elderly adult cannot prepare such solutions.
Conclusion
Electrolyte imbalance occurs when there is an alteration in the level of electrolytes. Electrolyte imbalance occurs due to dehydration or overhydration. Dehydration or overhydration in the elderly should be prevented as it can result in some severe health conditions. Electrolyte imbalance can be prevented by intake of water when thirsty and electrolyte intake through food and fluids.
