Water and fluid with electrolytes are important to your cells and your body because your body needs them in the correct balance to function properly. Any imbalance--too much or too little--can cause your muscles to malfunction and general illness to occur. Your body uses fluid to keep electrolytes in a certain concentration, like drink mix in water. If there isn't enough water in the jug, then the drink mix gets too concentrated. Likewise, too little or too much water in your body, and the concentration is out of balance. Specific electrolyte imbalances can cause specific illnesses.
Fluids
Water makes up 50 to 75 percent of your body weight, according to Georgetown University. It is responsible for transporting nutrients throughout your body, giving shape to your cells and maintaining body temperature. Shifts of water either into the cells, into the veins or into the spaces around the cells can lead to disease states, such as dehydration and edema or swelling. Dehydration can cause fatigue and dry mouth in the early stages, but it can eventually cause kidney failure and death if left untreated.
Sodium
Sodium plays an important role in the functioning of your cells, and it must remain in balance for your body to remain healthy. This electrolyte helps muscle cells contract by contributing to the electric conductivity found in cells. It also plays a large role in maintaining fluid volume in the veins and blood pressure. If you have low sodium, or hyponatremia, symptoms include headache, nausea, vomiting, muscle cramps, confusion and fainting, according to the Linus Pauling Institute. Excessive sweating, vomiting and diarrhea can cause this condition.
Potassium
Potassium works with sodium to help your muscles contract. Vital to all muscles, but to your heart especially, your potassium level is balanced so that the muscles can contract correctly. This nutrient also assists in the creation of important enzymes. You can easily deplete your potassium level by taking water pills. Other causes include severe vomiting or diarrhea, alcoholism and laxative abuse. Some symptoms are muscle cramps, weakness and abdominal pain. Severe deficiencies can lead to abnormal heart rhythms.
Magnesium
Magnesium is involved in over 300 different body processes, according to the Linus Pauling Institute. In addition to affecting muscle contractility and heart function, magnesium is important in the creation of energy within the cells. It is also involved in bone, calcium and vitamin D synthesis. Causes of low magnesium are alcoholism, diabetes and water pills. Some symptoms include low calcium, low potassium, tremor, muscle spasms, nausea, vomiting and personality changes.
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