ELECTROLYTES

WE SOMETIMES HEAR THE WORD “ELECTROLYTES,” BUT WHAT ON EARTH ARE THEY?

Electrolytes are salts in your body, such as potassium, calcium, chloride, and sodium. They’re used by your body to:

•          Control the correct amount of fluid in your organs and blood vessels.

•          Regulate hydration and pH levels as well as nerve and muscle function.

If you’re bingeing and purging or taking laxatives, you’ll become dehydrated, which then causes electrolyte imbalances.

If we have an imbalance of electrolytes in the body, it can cause:

•          Nausea

•          Low mood, tiredness

•          Low blood pressure

•          Muscle spasms and weakness

•          An irregular heartbeat

•          Trembling

•          Aching joints

•          In extreme cases, even death. Prolonged and severe electrolyte imbalance can lead to shock, cerebral edema (swelling in the brain), seizures, and coma (Eating Disorders Review, 1999).

The most frequent electrolyte imbalances seen in bulimics are:

Reduced sodium levels in the body that can disrupt brain function, causing you to feel:

Nauseous

Irritable

Headachy and fatigued

This information is confirming further the importance of introducing water every day gradually.