Electrolyte Imbalances
Users on Reddit discuss the importance of maintaining electrolyte balance while on GLP-1 medications, often linking imbalances to side effects like fatigue, headaches, lightheadedness, and dehydration. They recommend proactive measures to prevent these issues.
Experiences with Electrolyte Imbalances & Dehydration:
Some users experience a decreased thirst sensation, making intentional hydration crucial. "I have found I have less thirst on these medications so I need to be intentional about drinking water to avoid dehydration. "[10] Another user echoed this: "I’ve just found I don’t get thirsty and I get dehydrated easily if I’m not forcing myself to try to drink more. "[14] This is further explained by a user who stated, "Most thirst cues actually come as hunger cues, if people aren't hungry they don't really realize they are thirsty. "[15]
Symptoms like lightheadedness can occur. One user shared, "When I started tirzepatide I was extremely light headed on the floor. "[9] Another experienced lightheadedness and wiped out walking into work. [8]
Dehydration can lead to more severe issues like kidney injury. "Dehydration is bad for your kidneys, while these drugs can help prevent kidney damage from other issues with being overweight if you become dehydrated you can still cause damage... then ppl like to blame the meds. "[11] Another user warned, "Staying hydrated is super important esp if you have nausea/vomiting as a side effect. You can risk kidney injury. "[13]
One user highlighted several reasons for increased water intake: GLP-1s decrease thirst cues, less water is consumed from food due to reduced appetite, it helps combat constipation, supports kidney health, and aids in the excretion of fat catabolism byproducts. [16]
Remedies and Preventions Recommended:
"Like others have said, electrolytes and protein will help with the fatigue! "[1]
"I found that whether working out or just going about my day, Liquid IV or LMNT kept me drinking water regularly. "[2]
One user on Mounjaro stated, "I personally struggled with headaches early, so water with electrolytes near shot day helped me a lot. Now I have them every day, and I feel much better with much better energy for it. "[12]
Another user mentioned, "I’ve definitely noticed that drinking water with electrolytes helps curb nausea and dehydration on Wegovy. "[17]
"I use Ultima for electrolytes during workouts. "[9]
A user emphasized the importance of electrolytes for proper hydration: "Electrolytes are key to proper hydration— sugar and electrolytes like magnesium, sodium, potassium, and zinc actually help water absorb into our cells and maintain proper balance in the body. When we don’t have the proper concentration of E’s, water just goes straight through us leading to symptoms of dehydration like fatigue, headaches, muscle aches, etc. "[18] This user also shared a personal experience: "I was so sick for the first month despite chugging water. Then i bought a cart full of Gatorade and coconut water. chugged it all and finally felt human again. i lost 6lbs the next week. I drink pickle juice when the things get dire. "[19]
Pedialyte is also mentioned: "I do try to drink 8-12 ounces of Pedialyte daily because before I was doing that, I did end up dehydrated and with a UTI. "[21] Another user with chronic migraines found Pedialyte with lime juice helpful. [20]
Adequate Water Intake: General emphasis on drinking plenty of water is common.
"It really seems to me that a huge percentage of side effects people experience with these meds could be headed off by simply increasing fluid intake aggressively. "[5]
"I have to make conscious efforts to chug some throughout the day when I used to be thirsty and carry water everywhere. "[22]
One user recommends "64-100 fl. oz. (~2L) of water per day. "[16]
Monitoring Hydration:
"So, hydrate well, make sure you are peeing regularly, not constipated and talk with your physicians. "[12]
Dietary Considerations:
"I do have to make sure I hydrate, take fiber and electrolytes. "[6]
One user mentioned their doctor's advice regarding electrolyte drinks: "If you’re drinking 80 ounces a day or more, you probably need one electrolyte drink per day. I get cramps in my feet and legs if I skip my electrolytes more than 3 days. "[7]
It's important to note that while many users find electrolyte supplementation helpful, one user advised caution: "be careful if you have electrolytes abnormalities, cardiovascular,. kidney disorders talk to your physicians. "[12] Another user whose doctor monitors their labs stated, "My doctor seems to think I'm in perfect health and I get my labs run twice a year, but I don't know if that would catch kidney stones or electrolyte imbalances.
Experiences with Electrolyte Imbalances & Dehydration:
- Dehydration is a common concern.
Remedies and Preventions Recommended:
- Hydration with Electrolytes: This is the most frequently recommended remedy.
It's important to note that while many users find electrolyte supplementation helpful, one user advised caution: "be careful if you have electrolytes abnormalities, cardiovascular,. kidney disorders talk to your physicians. "[12] Another user whose doctor monitors their labs stated, "My doctor seems to think I'm in perfect health and I get my labs run twice a year, but I don't know if that would catch kidney stones or electrolyte imbalances.