According to family doctor Evaldas Šivickas, when sweating normally, the most is lost of sodium and chlorides, with smaller amounts of potassium, magnesium, and other minerals.
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“Electrolytes are mineral substances that participate in many vital processes. Sodium is one of the most important electrolytes for fluid balance: it helps the body retain the necessary amount of fluid in the bloodstream and tissues, participates in blood pressure regulation, nerve and muscle function. Potassium is extremely important for heart rhythm, muscle work, and nervous system function. Magnesium participates in muscle relaxation, nervous system function, and energy metabolism,” explains the family doctor.
In summer, electrolyte balance becomes especially relevant because in warm weather the body can lose fluids and minerals more quickly.
According to the doctor, unlike often thought, electrolyte imbalance is not only relevant for people who exercise. Sports, especially intense and in a hot environment, is one of the risk factors, but not the only one. Anyone who sweats heavily or loses fluids for other reasons can lose electrolytes.
“Higher risk groups also include people working outdoors, those spending long periods in the sun or hot rooms, travelers, especially going to hot and humid climate countries, older people, infants and small children, pregnant women, people with heart or kidney diseases, as well as those taking diuretics, some blood pressure medications, or laxatives,” lists the specialist.
Symptoms are usually not specific
According to the family doctor at “Antėja,” electrolyte imbalance can manifest in various ways, and symptoms are often not specific.
“Signs such as fatigue, general weakness, dizziness or headache, thirst, dry mouth, muscle twitching or cramps, nausea, decreased urine output, increased heart rate or palpitations may appear. These signs can be related to electrolyte deficiency or imbalance, especially if they occur after heavy sweating, intense physical exertion, heat exposure, diarrhea, or vomiting,” says E. Šivickas.
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However, these signs are general and can also occur in other conditions or diseases, such as anemia, thyroid or heart rhythm disorders, infections, anxiety, or when taking certain medications.
“Therefore, if symptoms persist, recur, or worsen, it is worth not only drinking more fluids but also visiting a doctor. It is especially important not to delay the visit if fainting, confusion, severe weakness, chest pain, pronounced heart palpitations, shortness of breath, or high body temperature occur,” warns the doctor.
When is it worth doing tests?
If a person feels well, stays in the heat briefly, does not have intense physical exertion, and has a normal diet, simple water and balanced food are usually enough.
“I would definitely recommend considering magnesium, potassium, and sodium tests if after being in the heat, heavy sweating, intense physical exertion, or outdoor work, there is pronounced weakness, dizziness, fainting sensation, recurring muscle cramps, heart palpitations, or irregular pulse,” the doctor states.
Electrolyte testing alone does not always answer all questions, but it helps to more accurately assess whether there is a significant electrolyte imbalance that could be corrected.
“It is important to assess electrolyte levels in the blood for patients with kidney diseases, heart failure, significant heart rhythm disorders, or those taking medications that can alter potassium or sodium levels in the blood, such as diuretics, some blood pressure medications, or potassium supplements. In these cases, there may be not only a deficiency but also an excess of electrolytes, so taking supplements ‘prophylactically’ without tests is not always safe,” says E. Šivickas.
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