Electrolytes are a class of seven minerals that are abundantly found in nature, and also in the human body. They perform various functions and are critical for good overall health of a human being. Sometimes, due to one or more ailments, one or more of these electrolytes can increase or decrease in levels, and go out of range. This electrolyte imbalance leads to various complications, if not treated on time. In very rare cases, electrolyte imbalance can also be fatal. In this article, we will learn more.
Electrolytes are a class of seven different minerals found in the human body. Their name comes from the fact these are electrically charged ions, chemically speaking. They give off an electrical charge (either positive or negative) when they dissolve in body fluids such as urine or blood. They are found widely inside the human body, in several tissues and body cells. They are made by the body, and they are also absorbed from the food, beverages, water and medication that we consume.
Electrolytes perform various functions required for day-to-day health and normal functioning of the body. The number of pluses or minuses given in brackets, against the name, indicates how many positive or negative ions are created.
In addition, electrolytes help in blood clotting and formation of new cells.
Sixty-six percent of the human body is made up of water. Water is found in the blood (83 percent), inside body-cells and around body-cells called as fluid compartments. The water level in the fluid compartments must be maintained at optimum levels. This is achieved by the kidneys, liver, and certain other organs and tissues of the body. They achieve this by moving electrolytes in and out of these fluid compartments.
Sometimes, certain ailments or diseases can affect the body’s ability to move the electrolytes in and out seamlessly. As a result, there are too much of or too less of one or more electrolytes in the fluid compartments. This situation is called an Electrolyte Imbalance.
Causes for electrolyte imbalance vary from electrolyte to electrolyte and depending on whether the level is higher or lower than normal. This will be covered in a later section. But there are certain risk factors for the same.
There are 14 types of Electrolyte imbalance. Seven electrolytes multiplied by 2 states – higher than normal level (hyper) or lower than normal level (hypo).
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