Electrolytes are minerals found naturally in the body, such as
potassium, calcium, sodium, and magnesium. Electrolytes are needed to keep the
body's balance of fluids at the proper level and to maintain normal functions,
such as heart rhythm, muscle contraction, and brain function.
If the body's electrolytes are not in proper balance, a person may
have seizures, an irregular heartbeat, muscle weakness, and other problems.
Electrolyte imbalances can be caused by a variety of health conditions, such as
chronic heart or kidney disease, endocrine diseases (such as problems with the
adrenal, pituitary, thyroid, or parathyroid glands), eating disorders, or bone
disorders. Any condition that causes the body to lose too much water (such as
diarrhea, vomiting, fever, or taking medications called diuretics) can also
lead to an electrolyte imbalance.
