Urination is a primary way the body loses water. Water loss can also occur through sweating, respiration and defecation. The average man loses 1.5L to 2.5L water a day. As a result, men and women should drink at least 3.0L and 2.2L, respectively, of liquids a day in order to compensate for water loss, says the Encyclopedia of Surgery.
Electrolytes
An electrolyte is a mineral that dissolves in water and is then able to carry an electrical charge. Every cell in the body needs positive and negatively charged electrolytes to properly function. Examples of such functions are maintenance of water within cells, neural impulse transmission and synthesis of enzyme. Calcium, potassium, sodium, magnesium, chloride and phosphorus are examples of common electrolytes. The average person normally receives enough electrolytes from the daily diet, diet.com says.
The Kidneys
One of the major functions of the kidneys is to regulate the amount of electrolytes dissolved in the blood. Electrolyte usage by the tissues causes a drop in one or more electrolytes; the renal system is extremely sensitive to this change, diet.com says. The kidneys can allow excess electrolytes to be excreted in the urine or can retain them during times of electrolyte depletion. Sometimes the kidneys need to flush out significant quantities of electrolytes in the urine. This process is closely associated with excretion of water. The result can be excessive urine production and frequent urination.
Causes of Frequent Urination
Frequent or urgent urination means a person needs to urinate more frequently than usual. When this occurs at night, it's called nocturia. Frequent urination can be caused by a number of factors, according to the National Institutes of Health or NIH. Such factors can affect any part of the urinary tract, which includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra. Common causes of frequent urination are urinary tract infections, diabetes, pregnancy, prostate problems, drugs, anxiety and vaginitis.
Electrolytes and Water
With increased urination, the balance between electrolytes and water content in the blood is disturbed. This disturbance is essentially a result of dehydration or water removal, diet.com says. As the blood looses water to the urine, electrolytes naturally follow the path of the water and also are excreted. One of the most important electrolytes associated with water removal from tissues is sodium. Unlike potassium, sodium is found mainly outside of cells and is therefore easier to flush away as water is removed. With frequent urination, sodium excretion disturbs the relationship of other electrolytes in the blood. Electrolyte replacement may be necessary to bring blood electrolyte levels back into balance.
