Electrolytes are electrically charged minerals found in our body. they come from our food and fluids.
The main electrolytes include sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, chloride , bicarbonate and phosphate. These minerals play a crucial role in many bodily functions, including regulating pH, maintaining fluid balance, and transmitting nerve impulses. This article reviews the basic physiology of electrolytes and their abnormalities, as well as the consequences of electrolyte imbalance.
Sodium. Sodium, an osmotically active cation, is one of the essential electrolytes in extracellular fluid. It is responsible for maintaining the volume of extracellular fluid and regulating the membrane potential of cells. Sodium is exchanged with potassium across cell membranes as part of active transport.
Potassium. Potassium is primarily an intracellular ion. The sodium-potassium adenosine triphosphatase pump is primarily responsible for regulating sodium-potassium homeostasis, which moves sodium out in exchange for potassium, which enters cells. Potassium disturbances can lead to cardiac arrhythmias. We speak of hypokalemia when the serum potassium level is less than 3.6 mmol/L and we speak of hyperkalemia when the serum potassium level is greater than 5.5 mmol/L, which can lead to arrhythmias.
Calcium. Calcium plays an important physiological role in the body. It participates in the mineralization of the skeleton, the contraction of muscles, the transmission of nerve impulses, blood coagulation and the secretion of hormones. Food is the main source of calcium. Calcium is an essentially extracellular cation. Calcium absorption in the intestine is primarily controlled by the hormonally active form of vitamin D.
Bicarbonate. The acid-base state of the blood determines bicarbonate levels. The kidneys primarily regulate bicarbonate concentration and maintain acid-base balance. The kidneys reabsorb filtered bicarbonate and generate new bicarbonates through net excretion of acid, which occurs through the excretion of titratable acid and ammonia.
Magnesium. Magnesium is primarily involved in adenosine triphosphate (ATP) metabolism, proper muscle function, neurological functioning and neurotransmitter release. We speak of hypomagnesemia when the serum magnesium level is less than 1.46 mg/dL. Alcohol use disorders, gastrointestinal conditions, and excessive renal losses can lead to hypomagnesemia.
Chloride. Chloride is an anion found primarily in extracellular fluid. The kidneys primarily regulate serum chloride levels. Most of the chloride, filtered by the glomerulus, is reabsorbed by the proximal and distal tubules (mainly by the proximal tubule) by active and passive transport[16].
Hyperchloremia may be due to gastrointestinal loss of bicarbonate. Hypochloremia manifests as gastrointestinal losses such as vomiting or excess water gain such as congestive heart failure.
Phosphorus. Phosphorus is a cation of extracellular fluid. Eighty-five percent of the body's total phosphorus is found in bones and teeth in the form of hydroxyapatite; soft tissues contain the remaining 15%. Phosphate plays a crucial role in metabolic pathways. It is a component of many metabolic intermediates and, above all, ATP and nucleotides. Vitamin D3, PTH and calcitonin regulate phosphate along with calcium. The kidneys are the main route of phosphorus excretion.
The roles of electrolytes in the body
Hydration regulation
Electrolytes are essential for maintaining fluid balance in the body. Sodium and potassium, in particular, play a crucial role in regulating water balance between cells and the extracellular space, which is essential for optimal hydration.
Transmission of nerve impulses
Electrolytes, particularly sodium, potassium and calcium, are involved in the transmission of electrical signals along nerves. These signals are essential for the functioning of the nervous system, including sensory perception, muscle movement and cognitive functions.
pH regulation
Electrolytes play a crucial role in maintaining the body's acid-base balance. Bicarbonate, for example, acts as a buffer to keep blood pH within a narrow range, which is essential for the proper functioning of enzymes and other biological processes. pH is a measure of the acidity or basicity of a solution, and it is usually measured on a scale of 0 to 14. A pH value less than 7 indicates an acidic solution, a pH value equal to 7 is neutral, and a pH value greater than 7 indicates a basic or alkaline solution.
Electrolyte sources
Electrolytes can be found in a variety of foods and drinks. Main sources include:
- Sodium: table salt, shrimp, sardines, olives.
- Potassium: bananas, spinach, avocados, lentils, sweet potato flour.
- Calcium: dairy, green leafy vegetables, seeds
- Magnesium: nuts, seeds, vegetables, dark chocolate
- Chloride: table salt, foods high in sodium
- Bicarbonate: vegetables, fruits
In addition to food, electrolytes can also be obtained from sports drinks and supplements.
Maintain electrolyte balance
Maintaining adequate electrolyte balance is essential for optimal health. Here are some tips for maintaining this balance:
- Hydrate regularly by drinking enough water.
- Consume a varied and balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables and sources of electrolytes.
- Limit your intake of sugary drinks and processed foods high in sodium.
- Monitor for symptoms of electrolyte imbalance such as fatigue, muscle cramps, and headaches, and consult a healthcare professional if necessary.
Electrolytes play a crucial role in many bodily functions, including the regulation of hydration, the transmission of nerve impulses, and the regulation of pH. Maintaining adequate electrolyte balance is essential for optimal health. By eating a balanced diet and staying well hydrated, you can help your body function optimally and maintain a healthy electrolyte balance.
This comprehensive guide to electrolytes should provide you with a thorough understanding of their role in the body and their importance to overall health. Remember to consult a healthcare professional if you have specific concerns about your electrolyte balance or if you experience symptoms of electrolyte imbalance.
