The body needs relatively large quantities of Calcium Chloride Magnesium read more —especially the macrominerals minerals the body needs in relatively large amounts —are important as electrolytes.

Electrolytes are minerals that carry an electric charge when they are dissolved in a liquid, such as blood. The blood electrolytes—sodium, potassium, chloride, and bicarbonate—help regulate nerve and muscle function and maintain acid-base balance Overview of Acid-Base Balance An important part of being healthy is for the blood to maintain a normal degree of acidity or alkalinity.

The acidity or alkalinity of any solution, including blood, is indicated on the pH scale Fat tissue has a lower percentage of water than lean tissue and women tend to have more fat, so the percentage read more , which have to be maintained in a normal range for the body to function.

Electrolytes, particularly sodium Overview of Sodium's Role in the Body Sodium is one of the body's electrolytes, which are minerals that the body needs in relatively large amounts.

Electrolytes carry an electric charge when dissolved in body fluids such as blood read more , help the body maintain normal fluid levels in the fluid compartments because the amount of fluid a compartment contains depends on the amount concentration of electrolytes in it.

If the electrolyte concentration is high, fluid moves into that compartment a process called osmosis. Likewise, if the electrolyte concentration is low, fluid moves out of that compartment.

To adjust fluid levels, the body can actively move electrolytes in or out of cells. Thus, having electrolytes in the right concentrations called electrolyte balance is important in maintaining fluid balance among the compartments.

The kidneys help maintain electrolyte concentrations Water and electrolyte balance The kidneys are bean-shaped organs that figure prominently in the urinary tract.

Each is about 4 to 5 inches 12 centimeters long and weighs about one third of a pound grams. One lies read more by filtering electrolytes and water from blood, returning some to the blood, and excreting any excess into the urine.

Thus, the kidneys help maintain a balance between the electrolytes a person takes in every day by consuming food and beverages and the electrolytes and water that pass out of the body in the urine are excreted. If the balance of electrolytes is disturbed, a person can develop health issues.

For example, an electrolyte imbalance can result from the following:. Becoming dehydrated Dehydration Dehydration is a deficiency of water in the body. You may feel like you hear this too often. But it's good advice. Don't wait until you become dehydrated to drink fluids; keep a water bottle with you and drink small amounts throughout the day.

That's why Braun recommends replacing 8 ounces of your daily water with a sugar-free or low-sugar sports drink e. When you're vomiting, have diarrhea or are feverish, you rapidly lose fluids and electrolytes, Braun cautions.

Children and seniors, especially, can get severely dehydrated very fast. Oral rehydration solutions like Pedialyte — which contain the right mix of salt, sugar, potassium and other minerals — are a good way to replenish those vital fluids.

Essential Electrolytes. Most often linked to sports drinks, electrolytes are vital for good health. Home RUSH Stories Essential Electrolytes. Heart Health. Share to Facebook Share to Twitter Share to LinkedIn Share via Email.

By Judy Germany. The essence of electrolytes You're probably familiar with most or all of the electrolytes, even if you didn't necessarily know they were electrolytes: Bicarbonate Calcium Chloride Magnesium Phosphate Potassium Sodium These electrically-charged minerals help regulate everything from hydration the amount of water in your body , to your nervous system to muscle function — including the most important muscle of all: the heart.

When to worry? These are some common causes of electrolyte spikes or dips: Taking diuretics Prolonged vomiting, diarrhea or high fever, such as from a virus Congestive heart failure Hormonal or endocrine disorders, such as primary hyperparathyroidism Certain cancers, including breast cancer , lung cancer and multiple myeloma Eating disorders Drinking too much water, which can cause overhydration Kidney disease The key to preventing health-threatening imbalances is to be aware of these instances when electrolytes are more likely to become depleted or build up.

Maintaining electrolytes While some situations, such as health conditions, are beyond your control, Braun says there are steps you can take to avoid severe electrolyte spikes or dips: 1. Eat your electrolytes.

Make these electrolyte-rich foods part of your daily diet: Calcium — Milk and milk products including plain, nonfat yogurt , meat, fish with bones e. Go easy on the salt. Try these salt-saving tips: Use fresh herbs and spices, or citrus juice to season your food.

Avoid pre-packaged meals, which tend to be very high in sodium. Choose "reduced sodium" canned soups and vegetables. Always read the labels! Taste your food first. Don't automatically reach for the salt shaker; you might find your food doesn't need it.

Drink enough water. Even if you don't sweat a lot, you lose electrolytes when you breathe rapidly. So sweaty or not, opt for a drink with electrolytes after any vigorous workout. Replenish electrolytes after exercise.

Push the electrolytes when you're sick. Arrhythmias Content Hub Health and Wellness.