Electrolytes are molecules that have an electrical charge. They are important in many of the processes in the human body, including the movement of muscles, the transmission of electrical signals in the brain, and the fluid balance within the cells and the blood stream. Abnormalities of certain electrolytes can affect the body's fluid balance and cause significant health problems. Changes in the body's hydration status, for example, if a person becomes dehydrated, can also affect electrolyte levels.
Sodium
Sodium is one of the most important electrolytes involved in fluid balance. According to the Merck Manual, sodium is also important for normal nerve and muscle function. Sources of sodium in the diet include beef, cheeses, potato chips and anything that contains salt. High sodium levels, or hypernatremia, can result from dehydration and other excessive fluid losses, for example when using diuretics, medicines used to excrete fluid to control blood pressure. Hyponatremia, or low blood sodium, can occur due to diarrhea, vomiting, and excessive fluid intake, which can dilute the sodium concentration.
Potassium
Potassium is an electrolyte important in the electrical charge of cells, making it integral for muscle contraction and nerve conduction. It is mostly found inside the cells, so changes in the small concentration of potassium in the blood can have serious health consequences. Low potassium, or hypokalemia, results from dehydration due to chronic diarrhea and vomiting. High potassium, or hyperkalemia, can result from conditions such as diabetes mellitus and kidney disease.
Chloride
Chloride is another electrolyte important in fluid balance. According to Lab Tests Online, chloride levels mirror those of sodium, although they can change independently of sodium, since chloride helps to maintain the electrical neutrality of body fluids. Most of the chloride in the diet comes from salt and is absorbed by the gut. High chloride, or hyperchloremia, can be caused by dehydration and by conditions that increase sodium levels. Hypochloremia, or low chloride levels, can happen with prolonged vomiting and chronic lung disease.
Calcium
Calcium is a mineral important for bone formation and healing. It is absorbed from the gut with the help of vitamin D. Calcium is present in many foods, including milk and other dairy products. High calcium, or hypercalcemia, can result from cancer, bone conditions that speed up bone turnover, and high parathyroid hormone, which increases the secretion of calcium from bone. Low calcium, hypocalcemia, results from vitamin D deficiency, low parathyroid hormone, and decreased calcium intake.
