Fortified breakfast cereal. Zinc: 3.8 mg in 3/4 cup (fortified with 25% of the daily value) Best ways to eat it: Look for a cereal brand that also has a good helping of vitamin D and iron. A USDA study shows that most women consume just 13 mg of iron a day, 5 mg short of the advised amount.
Electrolyte imbalances can be caused by a deficiency or an overabundance of minerals in the body. For example, hyperkalemia and hypercalcemia are indicative of excess amounts of potassium and calcium, respectively, which can disrupt the overall balance and functioning of the nerves, cardiovascular system, and muscles.
The body reacts to internal and environmental changes by adjusting vital functions to keep fluids and electrolytes in balance, maintaining homeostasis. This article will explore how fluid acts within the body and discuss when and why various I.V. fluids can be used to maintain homeostasis. Subsequent articles in this series will discuss specific electrolyte imbalances. Unless otherwise specified, information applies to adults, not pediatric patients.