If my headline made you do a doubletake, this article is for you!

Electrolytes Orchestra is made up of:

• sodium
• potassium
• calcium
• magnesium
• phosphate
• chloride
• bicarbonate

They are minerals that our body needs to:

• balance water levels
• move nutrients into cells
• remove waste products
• allow nerves to send signals
• enable muscles to relax and contract effectively
• maintain brain and heart functioning

We get electrolytes from food and beverages, as well as supplements. The kidneys and liver help maintain electrolyte balance. If we eat a variety of foods and drink enough fluids, electrolytes usually stay at the right levels.

An electrolyte imbalance can occur if our body has too much or too little water. We may be more susceptible to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances than the folks who don’t know ELO (younger adults).

There are many reasons for our susceptibility:

• The kidneys may lose some of their function with age.
• We may be on multiple medications, such as diuretics, that can change electrolyte levels.
• Due to a variety of reasons, we may not get enough to eat or drink.

We should watch out for:

• dryness of the mouth, including the lips and tongue
• sunken eyes
• skin that seems dry and less firm or stretchy
• drowsiness
• confusion or disorientation
• dizziness
• low blood pressure

They are all signs of dehydration.

Treatment for electrolyte imbalance

If you’ve been sick with a short bout of vomiting or diarrhea or have been sweating heavily, drinking water or an over-the-counter electrolyte solution can help restore the balance of your electrolytes.  

Electrolyte imbalances can cause serious or life-threatening symptoms. People with severe symptoms or underlying health conditions should not try home remedies and instead speak with a doctor or nurse practitioner. 

Much like ELO’s catchy tune Don’t Bring Me Down warns against letting negativity affect us, we should be cautious not to let dehydration or electrolyte imbalances bring us down either.