How To Maintain Electrolytes,water And Salt Balance In The Body?

Posted on Tue, 22 Apr 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Tue, 22 Apr 2014 Answered on

Sat, 10 May 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi. I have a question about balancing electrolytes, and water and salt balance in the body. Is it good to eat foods high in magnesium, phosphorous, potassium and sodium? Or is it more to do with adjusting the amount of water one drinks. What's the role of the kidneys and liver in balancing water and salt homeostatis.? I do weight training, but am not very active aerobically. Do I need extra salt? I dont sweat much. But blood tests in the past have revealed low sodium, and I understand that extranmagnesium and phosphorous are important for building muscles and strong bones. I have osteoporosis, and am 56 years old female, So this is an issue for me. Hoping for some clarification. XXXXXXX Regards

Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (8 hours later)

Brief Answer: you can take extra salt . Detailed Answer: Hello XXXXXXX I can understand your concern. Maintaining proper salt balance is must for body function. And our kidney is the main organ which take care of this.Whenever there is excess of any salt then it get removed through urine. Unless you are suffering from kidney disease or a gut absorption problem all these salt remains normal.Liver does not play a big role except it produces salt binding proteins . Are you taking any blood pressure medicine as that can cause low sodium in body specially diuretics? There is no need of taking extra salt unless you are having symptoms because they can deposit in body and causes toxicity.Taking extra water will not help as it get out through urine. excess water can cause water intoxication also. As far as diet is concern it should be balanced. As a post menopausal female i would recommend you to take calcium and vitamin D daily . It will take care of phosphors also. If you are not having high BP then you can take little extra salt like in juice and lemonade.This will increase your sodium to normal.No need to take any thing else. I hope this answer will help you. Let me know if you want to ask any thing else. Thanks and take care.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (12 hours later)

Hi Dr Naveem. Thank you for your answer. You mention salt binding proteins in the liver. My liver albumin is low, is that a salt binding protein? LD is a bit high. And total protein is a bit low. Could that affect sodium levels. I don't have BP but maybe kidneys are a little weak. Taking more salt with food might help, thanks, I'm starting to use sea salt on veggies. and will try with lemon juice as you suggest. I am trying to get more calcium and vit D into my diet. I have recently had a fracture and have osteoporosis. I don't like much dairy, but use soy. And nuts. I have been vegan, but try to eat fish sometimes. I like to eat dried fruit like figs, dates, raisins, I understand they are good sources of sodium, magnesium, potassium and phosphorous, and iron. Though I understand very high in sugar. Do you think dried fruits are OK? I also get constipation, so look for high fibre foods. Thanks for your help XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (8 hours later)

Brief Answer: Osteoporosis needs teatment Detailed Answer: Hello Jilian, Here are the answers of all your followup questions. 1.If your liver is weak then that can cause low calcium and other electrolytes. I would recommend you to avoid fat in diet and take proteins like soyabeans,peas,pulses. 2. If you have weak kidneys then avoid pain killers as they are toxic for kidney. Drink plenty of water. 3.If you have osteoporosis then osteofos 35 mg once a week can be helpful. Also continue your calcium and vitamin D3. 4.Keep taking dry fruits as they are good source of all these salts and electrolytes. Also take B complex tablet daily. I wish you a very good health. I also want to mention that I am really impressed with your knowledge. Please write a review is you are satisfied with this answer. Thanks and take care.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad