#electrolyes

I spent way too much time struggling with fatigue. There were days that I struggled with getting off the couch. I gained almost 20 pounds within a year without changing eating habits. I was bloated constantly. I hated the way I felt. It took a long time, but after two years, I finally found a doctor that would listen to me. Functional Medicine I am a registered nurse. I even have a master’s…

It’s NOT “Just” Sweat

It turns out the ubiquitous little dish of lentils at every Panamanian meal is what keeps their electrolytes topped up and prevents dehydration. If, doing what you do, you would ordinarily “break a sweat,” then here in Panama – in the tropics – sweat will pour off you by the bucketful. Nobody – sorry, Southern ladies – NOBODY “glows” here. Rather, you liquify. The thing is, if you aren’t careful,…

A 50 year old female with renal disease was admitted to the hospital following a seizure. What fluid, electrolyte and/or acid-base disturbances would you suspect with this patient? 

• Calcium • Magnesium  • Phosphorus  • Potassium  • Sodium  • Fluid  • Acid-Base

ANSWER: Hypermagnesemia, hyperphosphatemia, hyponatremia, hyperkalemia, Metabolic Acidosis, FVE, hypocalcemia.