Common Electrolytes

• Electrolytes are found in food. Common electrolytes are sodium, calcium, phosphorus, potassium and magnesium.
  
  

Function of Electrolytes

• Electrolytes balance blood chemistry and maintain other chemical processes in the body.
  
  

Causes of Imbalance

• Imbalance can occur in a number of ways. The most common causes are dehydration and not consuming enough food with electrolytes. Medications and kidney problems may also lead to an imbalance.
  
  

Problems Resulting from Imbalance

• Imbalance can lead to medical conditions that interfere with normal body function. Some common disorders are hyponatremia, hypernatremia, hypokalemia, hyperkalemia, hypocalcemia and hypercalcemia--imbalances of sodium, potassium and calcium, respectively.
  
  

Correction of an Imbalance

• Imbalances can usually be corrected with dietary changes. Doctors may prescribe medication or supplements and suggest eating certain types of food.