Question 1

what are electrolytes made of?

Accepted Answer

Electrolytes: An electrolyte is any substance containing free ions that make it electrically conductive. Electrolyte solutions are normally formed when a salt is placed into a solvent such as water.  For example, when table salt, nacl, is placed in water, the salt (a solid) dissolves into its component elements, sodium and chloride. For more info: http://www.News-medical.Net/health/what-is-an-electrolyte.Aspx.

Question 2

what are electrolyte imbalances?

Accepted Answer

Sodium, potassium: These are the most common to have imbalance but also magnesium, calcium, chloride and phosphorus are all electrolytes since by definition they all have electrical charge in the ionic (reactive) state.

Question 3

too many electrolytes, is that bad?

Accepted Answer

Electrolyte problem: Please rephrase your question to get a meaningful answer. Do you mean that some of your electrolytes are elevated? Please either ask the physician who ordered to the blood work for an answer or submit another question that can be answered properly.

Question 4

i have low electrolytes what does it means?

Accepted Answer

Low electrolytes: You may have a low sodium, Potassium Chloride or calcium levels in your blood. The first 3 could be seen in someone taking diuretics. Please provide more information for a better answer.

Question 5

what does it mean if my electrolytes are low?

Accepted Answer

Hard to know: If you were told you had "low electrolytes", some abnormal values were likely found on your blood chemistry.  Most often the test will include sodium, potassium, chloride, bicarbonate, (sodium bicarbonate) blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, glucose, calcium, and magnesium.  Electrolytes can be caused by renal dysfunction or certain meds.  Recommend discussing results with the ordering MD or your primary care doctor.

Question 6

how can i improve my electrolyte balance in my body?

Accepted Answer

Eat: Assuming you're a healthy person in general, the best way to ensure electrolyte balance is to eat REAL foods - and a variety of them.  Focus on protein, veggies, some fruits, and stay away from the starches/sugar.

Question 7

how can i keep my electrolytes up during triathlons?

Accepted Answer

Drink sports drinks: Staying hydrated and replenishing electrolytes are important to avoid cramps and hitting the wall (aka "bonking") during races.  There are a number of products out there, but its hard to say which one is best because we all lose different amounts when we sweat.  If you aren't voiding (urinating, peeing) you aren't drinking enough.  If you aren't sweating, it can be an early sign of heat stroke.

Question 8

what is the definition or description of: electrolytes?

Accepted Answer

Sodium, potassium: Electrolytes are substances like sodium, potassium, chloride, magnesium, hydrogen, calcium in the body.

Question 9

what exactly are electrolytes? i've always wondered this.

Accepted Answer

Electrolytes: electrolytes are substances that are ionized when dissolved in water. Main electrolytes like sodium, potassium, calcium, magnisum. They can make up oral rehydration solutions that are used in dehydration, like pedialyte.

Question 10

what is the best to improve electrolyte imbalances in my child?

Accepted Answer

Find out the cause: You should perhaps find out the cause of the imbalance before correcting, as different conditions are treated differently. 
It is paramount to get to the root of the problem as there may be some life threatening or potentially so conditions that if left untreated may get advanced enough to leave permanent damage or even end up in death.

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Doctor answers about:

Electrolytes

A member asked:

What are electrolytes made of?

A member asked:

What are electrolyte imbalances?

A member asked:

Too many electrolytes, is that bad?

A member asked:

I have low electrolytes what does it means?

A member asked:

What does it mean if my electrolytes are low?

A member asked:

How can i improve my electrolyte balance in my body?

A member asked:

How can i keep my electrolytes up during triathlons?

A member asked:

What is the definition or description of: electrolytes?

A member asked:

What exactly are electrolytes? i've always wondered this.

A member asked:

What is the best to improve electrolyte imbalances in my child?

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