Electrolytes And Kidney Health

Kidneys help to keep the body in balance. They are constantly filtering blood to regulate levels of fluid, salts, minerals and the blood’s pH. Keeping things in balance is always important, but this is even more true for patients dealing with kidney problems. When electrolytes reach levels that are too high or too low, it introduces health concerns. Here’s what to know about electrolytes and kidney health. 

What Are Electrolytes?

We hear the term thrown around a lot, especially in a sports or fitness context, but electrolytes are necessary for every person. It is a broad term for a collection of minerals and other substances that can carry an electrical charge when dissolved in body fluids. Electrolytes contribute to various bodily functions like fluid balance, nerve signaling, muscle and heart function, blood pressure, bone health, and more.

When it comes to individuals dealing with kidney conditions, there are specific electrolytes and minerals that are regularly monitored. These can include:

• Sodium
• Potassium
• Calcium
• Phosphorus
• Magnesium

When kidneys are functioning properly, they can seamlessly remove excess minerals and waste from the blood while also returning substances that the body needs back to the bloodstream. Healthy kidneys regulate water and sodium levels, maintain potassium balance and more. However, when kidney function declines, these processes can be disrupted. The resulting electrolyte imbalance is a common complication associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Electrolyte Imbalances And Kidney Disease

Diet is a huge factor in a kidney patient’s wellness journey. But it isn’t the whole story. Sometimes things out of one’s control can impact kidney health and lead to electrolyte imbalances–diet may not always be the culprit. Some of these factors could include:

• Declining kidney function
• Acute kidney injury
• Dehydration or excess fluid
• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Certain medications
• Supplements
• Dietary changes
• Other medical conditions
• Missed dialysis treatments
• Changes in dialysis needs

If you are noticing that you are feeling off, your dedicated nephrology doctors can help to pinpoint if an electrolyte imbalance is to blame, and they can use testing to monitor levels.

Signs Of An Electrolyte Imbalance

Whether we are talking about sodium, potassium, phosphorus, calcium or magnesium, each electrolyte will have a range of acceptable levels in the blood. When these levels are too high or too low, you can begin to experience discomfort and a range of symptoms. These can include:

• Muscle weakness
• Muscle cramps
• Fatigue
• Nausea
• Confusion
• Numbness or tingling
• Changes in heartbeat
• Swelling 

While the above symptoms are common signs of electrolyte imbalance, it is possible to have electrolyte abnormalities without experiencing noticeable symptoms. That is why regular blood testing is often a part of routine treatment and monitoring for those living with kidney conditions.

Should Kidney Patients Avoid Electrolytes?

No, you should not avoid electrolytes completely if you are dealing with a kidney condition–eletrolytes are necessary for countless bodily functions. However, it is necessary for kidney patients to closely monitor their intake of electrolytes and for nephrology doctors to regularly monitor electrolyte levels in the blood.

The goal is never to eliminate electrolytes but instead to maintain levels within an appropriate range. And this can vary from person to person, as each individual has a unique body composition and health-related quirks that will impact their kidney treatment. For example, a patient with naturally high levels of potassium or another electrolyte or mineral may receive very different dietary guidance than someone whose level is normal or low. This is why working with board certified nephrology doctors is so important to ensure proper mineral and electrolyte balance. Many foods rich in potassium, calcium, and phosphorus are very healthy and nutritious foods, but their high levels of these minerals make it necessary to adjust consumption levels or utilize appropriate methods or medicines to help reduce absorption. There are ways to safely incorporate necessary levels of electrolytes in your diet, even if you are dealing with a kidney condition.

That said, there are some key foods and beverages to avoid. This list typically includes prepackaged items and popular electrolyte drinks. These often contain concentrated levels of sodium, potassium, phosphorus and magnesium, along with sugar and sodium, all of which are problematic for those dealing with kidney problems. If there is a specific beverage or food that you are unsure about, feel free to ask your nephrology doctors whether it would be safe for you to consume.

Salt substitutes and common over-the-counter supplements should also be carefully considered and used sparingly, or avoided altogether. This is because they typically contain high levels of minerals that can further stress already damaged and struggling kidneys.

How Are Electrolyte Imbalances Managed?

While treatment and recommended methods will vary from person to person, nephrology doctors often advise kidney patients to make changes involving their lifestyle and diet, fluid intake, medication and supplement adjustments, and more. At times, there may be an underlying condition that is causing electrolyte levels in the blood to fluctuate, and they can work to pinpoint and address these. For those patients who continually deal with out-of-range blood readings and cannot manage these even after implementing recommended changes, dialysis treatment may be required to maintain health. Proper management ultimately depends on which electrolyte is abnormal, whether it is too high or too low, along with a patient’s general kidney function and their overall health.

Comprehensive Kidney Care From Akron Nephrology Associates

Electrolytes are vital for health, but fluctuating levels aren’t ideal. Knowing where your baseline is and what current levels are can provide important information about how your kidneys are functioning and what your body needs. The kidneys play a central role here, and declining kidney function can make that balance more difficult to maintain. But with needed monitoring and individualized treatment from our nephrology doctors, a kidney patient can work to maintain their health and wellbeing.

When you’re dealing with a serious kidney issue, it is vital to get medical advice and treatment from experienced nephrology doctors who understand kidney function and have the experience and resources needed to best manage your care. If you are in need of medical care to help you gain the upper hand in your struggle with kidney disease, please contact the team at Northeast Ohio Nephrology Associates (NEONA). We are here to guide you to better kidney health.