Get to know the various electrolytes in the body

Fluid in our body consists of many substances, one of which is an electrolyte. These electrolytes have an important role in the functioning of our body. What are those? In our blood, urine, body tissues, and other bodily fluids there are substances called electrolytes. Electrolytes are minerals that carry electrical charges, for example calcium, chloride, magnesium, phosphate, potassium (potassium), and sodium (sodium). Electrolytes enter the body through the food and drinks we consume. These smallest chemicals are needed by cells for the body to function properly and normally.

Various Electrolytes: Benefits and Impacts on the Body

Each of these electrolytes plays an important and specific role in our body. But sometimes, the amount of electrolytes in our body can be reduced or excessive. This happens because the amount of water in our body changes, it can be caused by lack of fluids, taking certain drugs, or suffering from an illness. Come on, get to know the electrolytes in our bodies.

Sodium or sodium

Sodium is needed by the body to maintain electrolyte balance, control fluid in the body, affect blood pressure, and regulate muscle contraction and nerve function. Normally, sodium levels in the blood are 135-145 millimoles / liter (mmol / L). Excess sodium, also called hypernatremia, usually occurs due to lack of drinking water; severe dehydration due to excessive discharge, for example due to prolonged vomiting, diarrhea, sweating, or kidney and respiratory problems; or taking certain medications, for example corticosteroids. While sodium deficiency, or also called hyponatremia, can occur because the body loses a lot of fluid through sweat or burns; vomiting or diarrhea; consuming too much fluid; alcohol addiction; taking certain medications such as diuretic drugs, seizures; suffer from malnutrition, thyroid abnormalities, hypothalamic abnormalities, adrenal gland disorders, kidney failure, heart failure, liver failure, or experience diseases that interfere with antidiuretic hormone (SIADH).

Calcium

Calcium is an important mineral used by the body to stabilize blood pressure, control the contraction of skeletal muscles, build strong bones and teeth, play a role in the delivery of nerve impulses and muscle movements, and helps the process of blood clotting. Excess calcium is called hypercalcemia, and this condition can occur if we suffer from hyperparathyroidism; Kidney illness; thyroid disorders; lung disease such as tuberculosis or sarcoidosis; some types of cancer; excessive vitamin D supplementation, calcium or antacids; or taking lithium and theophylline drugs. While calcium deficiency can be caused by kidney failure, hypoparathyroidism, vitamin D deficiency, pancreatitis, prostate cancer, digestive disorders, and certain medications including heparin, osteoporosis drugs, and antiepileptic drugs.

Potassium or potassium

The benefits of potassium are to regulate heart function and blood pressure, help with nerve stimulation, muscle contraction, bone health, and electrolyte balance; and maintain healthy nerves and muscles. In the blood, the normal amount of potassium is in the range of 3.5-5 millimoles / liter (mmol / L). Potassium deficiency is called hypokalemia. Can occur in people who have eating disorders; suffering from diarrhea, severe vomiting, or dehydration; take laxatives, diuretics, or corticosteroids. Whereas hyperkalemia is a condition where the amount of potassium in the blood is excessive, usually caused by severe dehydration, kidney failure, severe acidosis, taking blood pressure-lowering drugs or diuretics, or because the cortisol hormone levels in the body are too low.

Chloride

Chloride is needed to help balance electrolytes or body fluids, maintain the acid / base (pH) of the body, and is important for digestion. The body can experience hypochloremia (chloride deficiency) due to acute kidney failure, excessive sweating, vomiting, suffering from eating disorders, adrenal gland disorders, cystic fibrosis, or due to stinging of scorpions. While hyperchloremia (excess chloride) can occur due to severe dehydration, parathyroid gland disorders, kidney failure, or undergo dialysis. Well, what is the normal chloride level? Normal chloride levels are 98-108 mmol / L.

Magnesium

Magnesium is an important electrolyte mineral for DNA and RNA production, boosts the immune system, regulates blood glucose levels, maintains heart rhythm or rhythm, and contributes to nerve function and muscle contraction. Magnesium can also improve sleep quality in people with insomnia. Excess magnesium or hyperpermagnesemia usually occurs in patients with Addison's disease or patients with end-stage kidney disease. And the body can be deficient in magnesium (hypomagnesemia), usually due to heart failure, excessive sweating, chronic diarrhea, indigestion, alcoholism, or taking drugs such as diuretics and antibiotics.

Phosphate

Together with calcium, phosphate is responsible for strengthening bones and teeth, and helping cells produce the energy needed for tissue growth and repair. Phosphate deficiency (hypophosphatemia) is usually caused by an overactive parathyroid gland, vitamin D deficiency, starvation, severe burns, acute alcohol abuse, or certain drugs. While excess phosphate (hyperphosphatemia), usually occurs due to severe muscle injury, underactive parathyroid glands, respiratory failure, chronic kidney disease, low calcium levels, undergoing cancer treatment, and taking laxatives that contain excessive phosphate.

Bicarbonate

This mineral, whose normal level is 22-30 mmol / L, functions to help the body maintain a healthy pH, regulate body fluid levels and regulate heart function. Disorders of the amount of bicarbonate in the blood can be caused by respiratory disorders, kidney failure, and metabolic diseases. Mild electrolyte disturbances may not cause symptoms. Symptoms due to electrolyte disturbances often appear when it is entered in a heavier degree. Symptoms that can occur with electrolyte disturbances are:

• nauseous vomit
• limp
• swelling on the body
• fast heartbeat (thumping chest)
• muscle cramps or weakness
• headache
• convulsions
• loss of consciousness
• coma

Given that this condition can be caused by various factors, it is important to get an early examination and treatment by a doctor. If you experience symptoms of electrolyte disturbances, immediately go to the nearest emergency room to get the right treatment.