People who abuse laxatives or vomit regularly are at the greatest risk for alternating between dehydration and edema. It may take from 2 to 6 weeks following long term dehydration for your body to get used to being normally hydrated again and flush out the extra fluid it has been retaining. Sodium is the major electrolyte that maintains normal fluid outside the cells. Too much sodium can contribute to edema and high blood pressure. Too little sodium can cause low blood pressure and dizziness.
Potassium is the major electrolyte inside of cells.
Low potassium can cause muscle weakness and irritability, constipation, depression , and heart problems and is very dangerous. Visit Medical Complications section for more information and definitions.