Minerals are elements that come from soil and water, as well as from plants. You need some of these elements to support your basic functions and maintain your health. One vital responsibility of a group of minerals inside your body, called electrolytes, is regulation of the fluids found in your bloodstream and inside and outside your cells.
The Basics
Electrolytes get their name because they carry an electric charge in the presence of fluids. Your body contains more water than any other type of fluid, and roughly 60 percent of your overall weight comes from this liquid. Your cells contain most of your water supply. The area with the second highest amount of water is the space between or outside your cells. Your bloodstream holds the remainder of your water. Electrolytes achieve their effects by regulating the passage of water between these three areas. The electrolyte minerals are sodium, potassium, chloride, phosphate, calcium, magnesium, sulfate and bicarbonate.
Electrolytes and Fluid Ratios
To maintain your health, you must have a certain amount of fluid inside your cells, outside your cells and in your bloodstream. The relative presence of fluid in these three areas is called your fluid balance. The amount of fluid in a given area depends directly on the amount of electrolytes in that area. High electrolyte concentrations lead to increased fluid content, while low electrolyte concentrations lead to decreased fluid content. To adjust fluid levels between different areas, your body shifts electrolyte concentrations as necessary. The main electrolyte inside your cells is potassium, while sodium acts as the main electrolyte outside your cells.
Understanding Electrolyte Imbalance
If you have too much or not enough water and electrolytes in one of the three fluid areas, you will develop an electrolyte imbalance, also called a fluid imbalance. Aspects of your health that depend on a proper balance of electrolytes and water include the basic function of your heart and nervous system, the absorption and excretion of the fluids in your system and the coordinated activity of your muscles. Potential underlying causes of an electrolyte or fluid imbalance include dehydration, use of some medications, inappropriate use of intravenous fluids or intravenous feeding techniques and the presence of certain problems in your liver, kidney or heart function.
Considerations
Your kidneys play an essential role in maintaining your electrolyte balance by filtering your blood, then returning needed electrolytes to your body and excreting unneeded electrolytes in your urine. You also play an important role in maintaining your electrolyte balance when you drink fluids to replace the water and electrolytes lost in sweat. If your sodium levels rise too high, you can develop a condition called hypernatremia, while low sodium levels can trigger a condition called hyponatremia. If your potassium levels rise too high, you can develop a condition called hyperkalemia, while low potassium levels can trigger a condition called hypokalemia. Consult your doctor for more information on electrolytes and the importance of maintaining your electrolyte balance.
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; "Nutrition for Everyone -- Vitamins and Minerals
- "Merck Manual Home Health Handbook": Electrolytes
- MedlinePlus: Electrolytes
- Elmhurst College -- Virtual Chembook; "Fluid and Electrolyte Balance"; Charles Ophardt; 2003
- Healthcommunities.com; "Electrolyte Imbalance Overview"; April 30, 2001
