Let me first explain what an electrolyte is; It is any substance that separates into ions in aqueous solution (e.g. Water), these ions can be positively or negatively charged. The major electrolytes found in the human body are: Sodium, chloride, potassium, phosphate, sulphate, calcium, magnesium and bicarbonate.
An electrolyte balance is how many ions are found in the body’s extracellular and intracellular fluids. Electrolytes generate electricity, contract muscles and move water fluids within the body. Keeping electrolyte concentrations in check means stimulating the thirst mechanism when the body gets dehydrated. Sodium is a significant part of water regulation or electrolyte regulation and water passively follows sodium wherever it goes.
If there is too much sodium in the body (which is mainly made up of salt) it is excreted by the kidney and water follows. So in electrolyte regulation water does follow salt. Sodium is an important electrolyte that helps with electrical signals in the body, allowing muscles to fire and the brain to work. Illness can be caused due to too much or too little water. Hypernatremia is usually associated with dehydration, instead of having too much sodium there is simply too little water and this can be caused from vomiting or diarrhoea. Hyponatremia is caused by water intoxication, drinking too much water and is associated with pneumonia and brain disease.
An electrolyte balance is how many ions are found in the body’s extracellular and intracellular fluids. Electrolytes generate electricity, contract muscles and move water fluids within the body. Keeping electrolyte concentrations in check means stimulating the thirst mechanism when the body gets dehydrated. Sodium is a significant part of water regulation or electrolyte regulation and water passively follows sodium wherever it goes.
If there is too much sodium in the body (which is mainly made up of salt) it is excreted by the kidney and water follows. So in electrolyte regulation water does follow salt. Sodium is an important electrolyte that helps with electrical signals in the body, allowing muscles to fire and the brain to work. Illness can be caused due to too much or too little water. Hypernatremia is usually associated with dehydration, instead of having too much sodium there is simply too little water and this can be caused from vomiting or diarrhoea. Hyponatremia is caused by water intoxication, drinking too much water and is associated with pneumonia and brain disease.