Almost all forms of life including humans cannot exist without electrolytes. These regulate our muscle and nerve function, hydration, blood pH, blood pressure and what not! Electrolyte levels are kept constant by our kidneys and several hormones.

Older people are more susceptible to dehydration and over-hydration. They are also more at risk to abnormal electrolyte levels. This is because their kidneys do not work so well when they become older. Also when people exercise or go through strenuous hard work — they sweat and lose electrolytes, mainly sodium and potassium.

These must be replaced to maintain electrolyte concentrations. Fresh fruits and vegetables are good sources of sodium and potassium. Excess electrolyte levels in our blood are filtered out by normal kidneys.

Our heart muscles and nerve cells use electrolytes to maintain voltage across their cell membranes. The level of an electrolyte in the blood can become too high or too low.  Wrong electrolyte levels can lead to either weak muscles or muscles that contract too severely.

Body electrolyte levels also tend to alter when water level in the body changes. If our consumption of necessary electrolytes is imbalanced, there can be severe health consequences. The most common imbalances are excessive or too little sodium and potassium. Another very common phenomenon that can reduce the ability to absorb these minerals includes drinking high amount of beverage that contains caffeine. If a person has any of the potassium deficiency symptoms, s/he has to take action to change their dietary habit and begin eating healthier alternatives.

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