Electrolytes are part of the most basic of life functions, including nervous system control. Healthy brain function depends on the processes that electrolytes regulate and maintain. They accomplish these functions directly through their influence on the intra- and extracellular environment of the brain. They also help the body produce the chemicals it needs for nervous system function.
What Are Electrolytes?
Electrolytes are substances that become charged particles or ions when dissolved in solution. Nervous system function in your body is electrochemical activity that is influenced by the concentration of electrolytes in your body. Important electrolytes in the human body include sodium, potassium, calcium and chloride. To understand their importance, your body devotes 20 to 40 percent of your total resting energy expenditure to maintaining the electrochemical gradient or membrane potential within the cells and in the surrounding environment. This balance is essential for the brain and all structures within your body.
Functions
Electrolytes serve four main functions. First, they provide essential nutrients for healthy body function. They also control osmosis, which is the diffusion of fluids between body compartments. Electrolytes control the acid-base environment of the body that directly impacts cell activity. In addition, because they carry an electrical charge, they ensure healthy nervous system function, including that of the brain. Finally, they facilitate communication in the nervous system by controlling release of hormones and neurotransmitters, which are chemicals that transmit nervous impulses.
Neurotransmitters
The role that electrolytes play with neurotransmitter release is a major part of brain function. These chemicals direct numerous brain processes. Noradrenaline or norepinephrine, for example, is released during times of stress. It will stimulate nervous system responses to increase your heart rate and release sugar stores for added energy in fight-or-flight situations. In addition to noradrenaline, other neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and dopamine, control your mood and state of mind. Serotonin regulates sleep and pain perception, while dopamine regulates the pleasure drive. It also supports motivation and emotions.
Specific Roles
Electrolytes play specific roles in brain function. Magnesium, for example, helps ensure adequate energy for brain function through carbohydrate metabolism. Carbohydrates and fats are your body's primary sources of energy. Magnesium is also an important electrolyte for maintaining the membrane potential so the nervous system can function and react to stimuli from the environment both inside and outside of your body. Calcium maintains the excitability of nervous and muscle tissue. In biological terms, excitability means that a cell is capable of responding to electrochemical changes. These changes direct both voluntary and involuntary responses in your body. In essence, electrolytes provide the basis for life.
References
- "Principles of Anatomy and Physiology"; G. Tortora, et al.; 2005
- Linus Pauling Institute, Oregon State University; Potassium; Jane Higdon, Ph.D.; February 2004
- MedlinePlus: Fluid and Electrolyte Balance
- BrainExplorer.org: Neurological Control - Neurotransmitters
- Kimball's Biology Pages; Excitable Cells; John Kimball; February 11, 2011
