Electrolytes | Definition

Electrolytes are certain nutrients (or chemicals) present in your body that have many important functions — from regulating your heartbeat to allowing your muscles to contract so you can move. The major electrolytes found within the body include calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium, phosphate and chloride.

IBD can result in electrolyte imbalances for many reasons, ranging from dehydration due to high output ostomies, diarrhoea, sickness, heat or lack of absorption due to scarring in the intestines or resection.

It is important to replace the missing electrolytes so that you become rebalanced. How this is done will depend on the severity of the imbalance. If you have a minor imbalance then dietary changes may be possible or drinking rehydration solutions is another option. Treatments for more severe cases include fluid replacement intravenously during a hospital stay.

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