Do I Need Electrolytes?
- Jackie Lochridge
- 16 minutes ago
- 2 min read
What is an Electrolyte?
You have probably heard of electrolytes, and almost certainly have seen advertisements for drinks and powders containing these essential elements. We all need electrolytes to regulate the electrical systems throughout our bodies. Important electrolytes for the human body include sodium, potassium, chloride, magnesium, and calcium.
Electrolytes serve a wide variety of functions in the body, from supporting muscle contractions to heart beats, to nerve function. Electrolytes need to be in balance in order for these functions to be carried out properly. Things like sweating and certain medications can alter levels of certain electrolytes and cause imbalance. For example, some diuretic medications (i.e. "water pills") remove more potassium than the body would on its own, leading to tingly in hands and feet and in long term severe cases, abnormal heartbeats.
What Happens When Electrolytes Are Out of Balance?
It's important to have the right amount of each electrolyte. Too little or too much of any one can cause fatigue, weakness, muscle spasms, and more serious symptoms. Electrolytes are measured with blood tests, and are one of the first things doctors look at when you are seen for not feeling well.
Do I Need an Electrolyte Supplement?
Most people maintain the right balance of electrolytes through food and fluids. If you have been sweating for an extended period of time, have been sick with vomiting or diarrhea, or if you have not had enough water, a commercially-available product such as a powder or drink is a good choice to bring up your sodium levels. If your doctor finds you have an electrolyte imbalance, or if you have a condition that requires extra electrolytes, your doctor will advise you on how to correct the levels.
References
Shrimanker I, Bhattarai S. Electrolytes. National Library of Medicine. Published July 24, 2023. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK541123/
Mayo Clinic Staff. Low Potassium (hypokalemia) When to See a Doctor. Mayo Clinic. Published March 1, 2025. https://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/low-potassium/basics/when-to-see-doctor/sym-20050632
Renal Clinic of Houston. How Do Tell If You Have an Electrolyte imbalance: Renal Clinic of Houston: Nephrology. Renalclinicofhouston.com. Published 2025. https://www.renalclinicofhouston.com/blog/how-do-tell-if-you-have-an-electrolyte-imbalance
Cucci D. Do We Need to Supplement Our Electrolytes? | Health Matters | NYP. New York-Presbyterian. Published August 16, 2024. https://www.nyp.org/healthmatters/do-we-need-to-supplement-our-electrolytes
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