Electrolytes are substances with various functions in the body. They are extracellular and intracellular fluids that have an electrical current and ability to dissolve in water. Automatic body processes require small electric current to function and it is the objective of electrolytes to provide this charge. There is an interaction between electrolytes with nerves, tissue and muscle cells. Other functions associated with electrolytes include normalizing blood pH to the normal level, blood plasma regulation, enabling muscle contractions such as heartbeat, transmitting nerve signals from the heart as well as nerve cells to other cells, regulating blood clots and building new tissue (Rundgren & Svensen, 2018).
Sodium, Potassium, Calcium, and Chloride are the four main electrolytes critical for hydration and neuromuscular function. Potassium couples as a major cation in the intracellular fluid. Sodium is the major cation within the extracellular fluid and Chloride as the major anion. Finally, calcium is a major cation with a neutral reaction to both extracellular and intracellular fluid. The four critical electrolytes mentioned above provide a balance reaction for healthy body function. Americans consume too little of Potassium as compared to Sodium and other electrolytes. Just like Sodium, Potassium is paramount for healthy body function since it helps in maintaining blood and fluid volume within the body. Vegetables, fruit, dairy products and seafood are rich in Potassium that Americans perceive to overlook.
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Too much consumption of electrolytes may result in unhealthy body function with imbalance reactions. For instance, too much Sodium may cause dizziness, diarrhea and vomiting. Besides, too much potassium may affect kidney function, nausea, heart arrhythmia and irregular pulse. However, low consumption of electrolytes may cause a muscle spasm, twitching, weakness, confusion and changes in blood pressure ( Nriagu, Darroudi & Shomar, 2016 ).
References
Nriagu, J., Darroudi, F., & Shomar, B. (2016). Health effects of desalinated water: Role of electrolyte disturbance in cancer development. Environmental research , 150 , 191- 204.
Rundgren, M., & Svensen, C. H. (2018). Fluid balance, regulatory mechanisms, and electrolytes. Fluid Therapy for the Surgical Patient , 1 , 15-44.
