Electrolytes: Definition, Function, and Imbalances

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Electrolytes are involved in many essential processes in the body. They play an important role in carrying out nerve impulses, working muscles, keeping the body hydrated, and regulating the body's pH level. Therefore, the client needs to get enough electrolytes from the diet to keep the body functioning as it should.

1. What are electrolytes?

Elect Elect Yteyte is the term for particles that carry a positive or negative charge. In nutrition, the term refers to essential minerals found in blood, sweat, and urine. When these minerals dissolve in a liquid, they form electrolytes - positive or negative ions that are used in metabolic processes.
Electrolytes found in the body include:
Sodium Potassium Chloride Calcium Magnesium Phosphate Bicarbonate These electrolytes are necessary for various metabolic processes, including nerve function and functioning. proper muscles, maintain acid-base balance and keep the body hydrated.

2. Electrolytes maintain body functions

Electrolytes are very important to keep the nervous and muscular systems functioning and the internal environment of the body in balance.
2.1 Nervous System Functions The human brain works by sending electrical signals through nerve cells to communicate with cells throughout the body. These signals are called nerve impulses, and they are produced by a change in the electrical charge of the nerve cell membrane.
Changes occur due to the movement of sodium electrolytes across the neuronal membrane. When this happens, the body sets off a chain reaction, moving more sodium ions (and a change in charge) along the length of the nerve cell axon.
2.2 Fluid balance Fluid needs to be kept in the right amount both inside and outside of every cell in the human body. Electrolytes, especially sodium, help maintain fluid balance through osmosis. Osmosis is the process by which water moves across the cell membrane from a dilute solution (more water and fewer electrolytes) to a more concentrated solution (less water and more electrolytes). This prevents cells from bursting from being too full of water or from shrinking due to dehydration.
2.3 Balance PH To maintain good health, the body needs to adjust the pH to a balanced level. pH is a measure of how acidic or alkaline a solution is. In the body, it is regulated by chemical buffers, or weak acids and bases, which help to minimize changes in the body's internal environment.
For example, blood is regulated at a pH level of about 7.35 to 7.45. If the pH deviates from this range, the body may not function properly, causing health effects. Maintaining a balance of electrolytes is fundamental to maintaining healthy blood pH levels.

3. Risk of electrolyte imbalance

In some cases, electrolyte levels in the blood can become too high or too low, causing an imbalance. Electrolyte disturbances can be harmful to health and can even be fatal in rare cases.
Electrolyte imbalances are often caused by dehydration from being in extreme heat, vomiting or diarrhea. Certain illnesses, including kidney disease, eating disorders, and injuries like severe burns, can also cause electrolyte imbalances.
However, a more serious imbalance can cause symptoms such as:
Fatigue Fast or irregular heartbeat Numbness and tingling Confusion Muscle weakness and cramps Headache Convulsions

4. Sweat and electrolytes

When you sweat, your body loses both water and electrolytes, especially sodium and chloride. Usually occurs with intense exercise or activity, especially in hot weather, which can cause significant electrolyte loss.
It is estimated that the average sweat contains about 40 to 60 mmol of sodium per liter. But the actual amount of electrolytes lost through sweat can vary from person to person. In the United States, the maximum recommended sodium intake is 2,300 mg per day - the equivalent of 6 grams or 1 teaspoon of table salt. About 90% of American adults consume more than this, most users do not need to replace the salt lost through sweating.
However, some people, such as endurance athletes, who have exercise schedules for more than two hours, or those who exercise in very hot environments, may need to consider drinking a rich sports drink. electrolytes to replace the lost through sweat.

5. Source of electrolytes

The best way to maintain electrolyte balance is through a healthy diet. The main food sources of electrolytes are fruits and vegetables. Here are some effective electrolytes:
Sodium: Pickled foods, cheese and table salt Chloride: Table salt Potassium: Fruits and vegetables like bananas, avocados and sweet potatoes Magnesium: Nuts Calcium: Dairy Products Electrolytes like bicarbonate are produced naturally in the body, so users don't need to worry about bicarbonate supplements.

6. Replenish Electrolytes

Usually, maintaining a healthy and complete diet can ensure a balanced electrolyte level in the body. But in some cases, such as vomiting and diarrhea, the addition of a rehydration solution containing electrolytes may be necessary. Users should be aware that unless the body is low in electrolytes due to excessive loss during high exercise or under load through medical conditions, electrolyte supplementation may cause imbalance and can cause disease.

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Reference article: Healthline.com