Constipation
One of the most critical roles of electrolytes is to help regulate digestion. When a person eats or drinks, electrolytes help the body absorb nutrients and eliminate waste. They also help keep the intestines lubricated so that food can move through them quickly. Without adequate levels of electrolytes, digestion can slow down or grind to a halt altogether, resulting in constipation.
There are a few different ways that low electrolytes can cause constipation. First, as we mentioned above, electrolytes help keep the intestines lubricated. When you don’t have enough of them, the lubrication isn’t as effective, so the food has a harder time moving through the digestive system.
Second, electrolytes also help the body absorb water. So, when a person is low on electrolytes, they may also be low on water, making the stool hard and dry and more difficult to pass.
Finally, some experts believe that low levels of certain electrolytes like calcium can trigger muscle spasms in the intestine, making it even more difficult for food to move through the system.
Treatment of constipation caused by low electrolytes will focus on replenishing the lost electrolytes. In addition, taking supplements like potassium or magnesium oxide can also provide constipation relief.
