rt3-adrenals electrolytes

The body generally maintains a tight balance among electrolytes and

this balance is necessary for optimal health. Systemic illness such as

kidney disease, liver disease, dehydration and conditions that affect the

digestive system are some of the things that can imbalance electrolytes.

Electrolytes that are out of balance can cause

• essential tremor

• dizziness

• heat intolerance

• excess sweating

Potassium

Potassium is essential to life. It is necessary for proper functioning of

all cells, tissues and organs. It is crucial to heart function. Its affect on

muscle contraction makes it important for normal digestive and

muscular function.

• Moderately low levels of potassium can cause

• weakness

• fatigue

• muscle cramps or pain

• fluid retention

• elevated blood pressure

• dizziness

• stomach disturbances

• irregular heartbeat

• abnormal EKG

• urine leaking

• Extremely low levels of potassium can cause terrible muscle aching

and loss of bowel and urinary control

• There are generally no symptoms of elevated potassium until it gets

seriously high which can cause

• excess urination

• nausea

• fatigue

• muscle weakness

• tingling sensations

• High enough or low enough levels can cause coma and death

• Medications that can cause high potassium

• potassium-sparing diuretics

• nsaids (non-steroidal anti-inflammatories)

• ACE inhibitors (e.g. captopril or enalapril)

• Other causes of high potassium

• kidney disease

• Medications that can cause low potassium

• diuretics

• corticosteroids

• laxatives (particuarly when used regularly)

• Other causes of low potassium

• diabetes

• very low carb eating

• frequent vomiting and/or diarrhea

• Only prescription sustained-release potassium should be used to

supplement. Due to the feedback system, over-the-counter instant

release potassium can waste more potassium than it adds

• Taking potassium when cortisol is very low and unsupported can

lower blood pressure excessively

• It is possible to have normal serum potassium with low cellular levels

of potassium

Sodium

Sodium is involved in fluid balance within the cells and is needed for

nerves and muscles to work properly

• Adequate sodium is essential for healthy adrenal functioning

• Sodium levels can be affected by illness or injury, consuming too

large or too small amounts of fluid or salt and some medications,

particularly diuretics

• Symptoms of low sodium can include:

• Salt craving

• Dizziness

• Excessive sweating

• High heart rate

• Palpitations or arrhythmias

• Muscle cramps

• Temperatures higher than normal

• Fluid retention

Fluid in the body is linked to the location of sodium. Too high

sodium in blood causes water to leak from cells into the blood

stream to dilute and lower sodium concentration. Too low

sodium levels in blood causes water to leave blood and enter

cells, causing them to swell

• High sodium is almost always caused by dehydration. If the

dehydration is chronic, there is likely to be limited symptoms. If

dehydration is acute, such as from extreme vomiting or diarrhea, the

body is less able to adjust to it.

• Symptoms of dehydration can include:

• Thirst

• Dry mouth and nose

• Elevated blood pressure

• Dark, concentrated urine

• When sodium is low, the best way to address it is with unrefined sea

salt taken in water three or four times a day. An individual with low

potassium may have difficulties drinking the salted water. If

supplementing sea salt causes nausea, a pinch of baking soda in the

water may help

Chloride

Chloride is the major negatively charged ion among the electrolytes.

• Controlled by the kidneys and can sometimes be affected by diet

• Involved in maintaining ph (acid-base) balance and helps to regulate

blood volume and artery pressure

• Elevated chloride can be present in kidney disease, diabetes and

elevated cortisol

Carbon Dioxide/Bicarbonate

Carbon dioxide (or Bicarbonate which is what Carbon Dioxide is being

used to evaluate) is an indication of how well the ph balance is being

maintained in the blood.

Other e

lectrolytes