What are Electrolytes?Electrolytes are particles that carry an electric charge when they are dissolved in blood. The kidneys help to maintain electrolyte concentrations by regulating its concentrations in the body. Any disturbance in this process often leads to an electrolyte imbalance. Show
The different electrolytes are:
Renal Failure is often complicated by elevated potassium, phosphate and magnesium and decreased sodium and calcium. Sodium Sodium plays a major role in the body by maintaining fluid balance. Its major function is in nerve and muscle function. The body obtains sodium from food and drink and loses it in sweat and urine. Kidneys, when functioning normally, maintain a consistent level of sodium by adjusting the amount excreted from the body. When sodium intake and excretion are not in balance, it may lead to either high sodium (Hypernatremia) or low sodium (Hyponatremia). Potassium Potassium is necessary for the normal functioning of cells, nerves and muscles. Potassium is obtained from food and drinks and lost primarily in urine, but also through the digestive tract and in sweat. Imbalances in potassium can lead to high potassium (Hyperkalemia) or low potassium (Hypokalemia). Phosphorus In the body, almost all phosphorus is combined with oxygen to form phosphate. Phosphate is used as a building block for many substances such as DNA, cell membranes, etc. The body obtains phosphate from food and excretes it in urine and sometimes stool. Foods that are phosphate rich are milk, egg yolks, chocolate and soft drinks. Imbalances in phosphate may be too high (Hyperphosphatemia) or too low (Hypophosphatemia). Calcium Calcium has many functions which include – formation of bone and teeth, muscle contraction, normal functioning of enzymes, blood clotting and maintenance of normal heart rhythm. The level of calcium in the blood is maintained by 2 hormones – Parathyroid Hormone (PTH) and Calcitonin. The body moves calcium out of bones into the blood to maintain calcium levels. PTH increases the calcium level in blood whereas calcitonin is responsible for lowering calcium level in the blood. Too much calcium is Hypercalcemia and too little calcium is Hypocalcemia. Magnesium Magnesium is required for the formation of bone and teeth and for normal functioning of nerves and muscles. Too much magnesium is Hypermagnesemia and too low magnesium is hypomagnesemia. Disclaimer: The UCLA Health System cannot guarantee the accuracy of such information. The information is provided without warranty or guarantee of any kind. Please speak to your Physician before making any changes. An electrolyte is a substance that conducts electricity when dissolved in water. Electrolytes are essential for a number of functions in the body. Everyone needs electrolytes to survive. Many automatic processes in the body rely on a small electric current to function, and electrolytes provide this charge. Electrolytes interact with each other and the cells in the tissues, nerves, and muscles. A balance of different electrolytes is crucial for the body to function. Fast facts on electrolytes Electrolytes are chemicals that conduct electricity when dissolved in water. They regulate nerve and muscle function, hydrate the body, balance blood acidity and pressure, and help rebuild damaged tissue. The muscles and neurons are sometimes referred to as the “electric tissues” of the body. They rely on the movement of electrolytes through the fluid inside, outside, or between cells. The electrolytes in human bodies include:
For example, a muscle needs calcium, sodium, and potassium to contract. When these substances become imbalanced, it can lead to either muscle weakness or excessive contraction. The heart, muscle, and nerve cells use electrolytes to carry electrical impulses to other cells. The levels of electrolytes in the blood can become too high or too low, leading to an imbalance. Electrolyte levels can change in relation to water levels in the body, as well as other factors. Important electrolytes, including sodium and potassium, are lost in sweat during exercise. A rapid loss of fluids, such as after a bout of diarrhea or vomiting, can also affect the concentration of electrolytes. In these types of situations, the balance of electrolytes in the body needs to be restored. The kidneys and several hormones regulate the concentration of each electrolyte. If the level of one is too high, the kidneys filter it from the body, and different hormones act to restore a balance. An imbalance causes a health issue when the concentration of a certain electrolyte becomes higher than the body can regulate. Low levels of electrolytes can also affect overall health. The most common imbalances involve sodium and potassium. Symptoms of an electrolyte imbalanceThe symptoms depend on which electrolyte is out of balance and whether its level is too high or too low. A harmful concentration of magnesium, sodium, potassium, or calcium can produce one or more of the following symptoms:
For example, a calcium excess can occur in people with breast cancer, lung cancer, or multiple myeloma. This type of excess is often caused by the destruction of bone tissue. Signs and symptoms of excessive calcium may include:
As these symptoms can also result from cancer or cancer treatment, it may be difficult to identify high calcium levels as the cause. There are several possible causes of an electrolyte imbalance, including:
An electrolyte panel is a test that screens for imbalances in the blood. It also measures the acid-base balance and kidney function. This test can help monitor the progress of treatment relating to a known imbalance. A doctor may include it as part of a routine physical exam, and people often undergo it during a hospital stay or when receiving care in an emergency room, as both acute and chronic illnesses can affect electrolyte levels. A healthcare professional may also perform this test for someone taking medication known to affect electrolyte concentrations, such as diuretics or angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors. The levels of electrolytes in the blood are measured in millimoles per liter (l). If the level of one type of electrolyte is too high or low, the doctor will test regularly until the levels are back to normal. If there is an acid-base imbalance, the doctor may carry out blood gas tests. These measure the acidity, oxygen, and carbon dioxide levels in a sample of blood from an artery. They also determine the severity of the imbalance and how the person is responding to treatment. Treating an electrolyte imbalance involves either restoring levels that are too low or reducing concentrations that are too high. If levels are too high, the treatment depends on the cause of the excess. If the body loses water without losing electrolytes, this can lead to an excess, and the treatment involves an infusion of water and glucose. Healthcare professionals typicallytreat low levels by supplementing the needed electrolyte. The type of treatment will also depend on the severity of the imbalance. It is sometimes safe for a person’s electrolyte levels to be replenished over time without ongoing monitoring. However, the symptoms of an imbalance can be severe, and a person may need to be hospitalized and monitored during the treatment. Oral rehydration therapyDoctors mainly use this to treat an electrolyte shortage alongside dehydration, which tends to follow severe diarrhea. The World Health Organization (WHO) has approved a solution for oral rehydration therapy that contains:
These are dissolved in 1 l of water that the person drinks. Electrolyte replacement therapyIn more severe cases of an electrolyte shortage, healthcare professionals may administer the electrolyte orally or through an IV drip. An infusion of saltwater solution or compound sodium lactate, for example, can help treat a shortage of sodium. PreventionSome causes of an electrolyte shortage, such as kidney disease, are not preventable. In general, having a well-managed diet can help reduce the risk of low electrolyte levels. Also, having a moderate amount of a sports drink during or after any kind of exertion or exercise can help limit the effects of losing electrolytes through sweat. For people who do not need treatment in a hospital, a doctor may recommend dietary changes or supplements to balance electrolyte concentrations. When levels of an electrolyte are too low, it is important to have foods and drinks that contain high amounts of that electrolyte. Here are some options: It is worth knowing how much of each electrolyte is in a type of food or drink. The Department of Agriculture has a searchable database of nutritional contents. Supplements are also an option for managing low levels of an electrolyte. For example, older adults often do not consume enough potassium, and treatments with corticosteroids or diuretic medications can also reduce these levels. In this case, potassium tablets can boost the concentration in the blood. Some sports drinks, gels, and candies can restore levels of electrolytes such as sodium and potassium during and after exercise. They can also help the body retain water. However, these products sometimes contain high electrolyte contents, and consuming too much can lead to an excess. Some also contain high levels of sugar. It is important to carefully follow any treatment or supplementation plan that a health professional recommends. Recommended intakeRestoring the balance of electrolytes by making dietary changes should lead to an improvement in symptoms. If it does not, a doctor may order further tests to identify any underlying health conditions that may be causing the imbalance. Recommended intakes of some of the most common electrolytes are as follows: Electrolytes are a vital part of a person’s chemical makeup. An imbalance can affect the way the body works and lead to a range of symptoms. For example, if a person feels faint after a workout, an electrolyte imbalance could be one reason. Consuming electrolytes during or after intense exercise and other periods of profuse sweating can help preserve the balance. Be sure to stay hydrated at all times. Anyone with concerns should contact a healthcare professional. What cell functions do electrolytes control through the maintenance of acidElectrolytes are minerals that carry an electric charge when they are dissolved in a liquid such as blood. The blood electrolytes—sodium, potassium, chloride, and bicarbonate—help regulate nerve and muscle function and maintain acid-base balance.
What regulates the balance between sodium and potassium?aldosterone: A mineralocorticoid hormone that is secreted by the adrenal cortex and regulates the balance of sodium and potassium in the body.
What cell function do electrolytes control?Electrolytes are substances that have a natural positive or negative electrical charge when dissolved in water. They help your body regulate chemical reactions, maintain the balance between fluids inside and outside your cells, and more.
How does sodium maintain acidThe provision of adequate chloride ion allows sodium to be reabsorbed without bicarbonate. Increased proximal reabsorption of sodium will decrease distal acid secretion because less sodium is presented to the distal nephron. As less bicarbonate is reabsorbed and less acid secreted, the metabolic alkalosis is resolved.
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Electrolytes such as sodium and potassium control what by helping to maintain acid-base balance
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