Diarrhea
Most of us have experienced diarrhea at some point in our lives. For the most part, it’s a temporary inconvenience that we’d rather not think about. However, for some people, diarrhea can be a chronic condition that significantly diminishes their quality of life. Some people may have been told by their doctors that low electrolytes could be to blame. But how exactly do low electrolytes contribute to diarrhea?
In essence, electrolytes are minerals that dissolve in water and help to conduct electrical impulses in the body. They are found in our blood, urine, and sweat. Diarrhea is caused by various things, including viruses, bacteria, parasites, food intolerance, and medications. When a person has diarrhea, the body loses a lot of fluids and electrolytes.
Low electrolytes can cause diarrhea because they lead to dehydration. If an individual fails to replace these lost fluids and electrolytes, they can become dehydrated. In addition, dehydration caused by low electrolyte levels can also lead to an imbalance of minerals in the body, known as hypokalemia, which can also contribute to diarrhea.
Therefore, drinking plenty of fluids during bouts of diarrhea is crucial. Sports drinks like Gatorade can also help replace lost electrolytes.
