Physically, an electrolyte is a compound that ionizes in solution. For this reason, it is possible to conduct electricity without any direct contact between positive and negative poles. Ions, which are electrically charged, are responsible for the flow of electric current and the conduction of heat between the poles. The most common dry electrolyte is sodium chloride, a salt composed of sodium (Na) and chloride (Cl).
Electrolytes conduct electricity and are a key component in the
reproduction of electricity from chemical reactions in water. They are present
in all living things except for humans. They are critical to the functions of
the body, and are present in salts, minerals, and other substances that are
dissolved in water. One of the main functions of electrolytes is to regulate
the osmotic balance in the body.
An electrolyte is a substance that conducts electricity when dissolved in
water (e.g. salt water). Electrolytes are used to conduct electricity in the
human body and most frequently in electrochemical cells, but they are also used
in other applications such as in the power industry, for semiconductors, and as
components of superconductors. Electrolytes are made of ions that are
electrically charged atoms or molecules that travel through a solution and can
conduct electricity. This conduction of electricity through electrolytes is the
basis for all electrochemical cells and is what creates an electrical current.
Electrolytes help to keep the body's internal environment within a narrow
range of values. By regulating the amount of fluid that is in the body,
electrolytes help to regulate the body's temperature. They also allow the body
to absorb chemicals and minerals from food and water. They work in the body in
the same way that a battery works.
For example, the function of the brain and central nervous system is
dependent on the transport of chemicals through the blood and the maintenance
of the ionic levels in the blood and inside cells. In humans, sodium,
potassium, and chloride ions conduct electric current, while calcium ions act
as a lubricant and protect the cells. This role of calcium is particularly
important in the heart and muscles, where the calcium ions help to transmit
electric impulses.
Electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, and calcium are necessary for the
body\'s proper function and health. Salts such as sodium chloride (table salt)
and potassium chloride (sea salt) are ubiquitous in our diets. They are also
important in the production of nearly all foods.
The average human body has about four pounds of sodium and chloride, and
losing this is known to contribute to ailments such as osteoporosis.
Electrolytes imbalance.
Elevated levels of electrolytes in the blood, such as sodium and
chloride, are seen in conditions such as hyponatremia and hypernatremia. When
the levels of electrolytes in the blood become too low, conditions such as
hypokalemia and hypo-osmolemia develop. An electrolyte imbalance can result
from a lack of electrolytes in the diet, such as in cases of severe malnutrition,
or from excessive consumption of electrolytes, such as in cases of heavy
drinking. As a result, a range of health problems can occur, including muscle
spasms, irregular heartbeat, and seizures.
Symptoms of an electrolyte imbalance
- Uneven heartbeat
- Dimness
- Shuddering and muscle spasms
- Changes in blood pressure
- Excessive Fatigue
- Numbness
- Confusion
- Bone disorders
- Nervous system disorders
- Seizures
- Spasms
- Signs and symptoms of excessive calcium may include:
- Constipation
- Nausea
- Stomach pain
- Thirst
- Dry mouth or throat
- Lethargy
- Fatigue
- Moodiness and irritability
- Extreme muscle paleness
- Sickness
- Frequent urination
The 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.
The electrolytes Sodium, Chloride, and Potassium are the three main
electrolytes needed in the human body. They play a major role in the essential
functions of life, such as regulating fluid balance, nerve and muscle function,
and maintaining the osmotic pressure in our cells. They are primarily
responsible for maintaining the acid-base balance in our bodies, and a healthy
sodium-potassium ratio is critical to maintaining this balance. This balance is
also vital to other bodily functions, including healthy muscle contraction and
excretion, and in some cases, blood pressure regulation.
Electrolyte Test:
It's important to remember that when you go for a blood test, you have to
be willing to have blood drawn, which can be scary for some or make them feel
sick. While this happens to some people, it is important to know that everyone
experiences this differently, and not all blood tests are painful. You should
understand that having blood drawn is a necessary part of any blood test and,
while nothing can ever fully prepare you for this, knowing the logistics ahead
of time can help make the experience easier.
An electrolyte panel is a test that screens for imbalances in the blood.
It also measures the acid-base balance and kidney function.
A physical exam is an important adjunct to the electrolyte panel because
it can identify the specific cause of the electrolyte-related problems. A
physical exam can also rule out other underlying causes of the symptoms,
allowing your doctor to focus on the electrolyte panel as the cause of your
symptoms (Huneycutt, 2013).
Electrolyte panels screen for imbalances in electrolytes (specifically sodium and potassium) and other blood constituents. The goal is to identify conditions that may cause an imbalance so that a treatment can be administered.
