Body fluid and electrolyte balance

Regulation of Electrolytes (Electrolyte Balance)

While chloride and bicarbonate are anions, or negatively charged ions, sodium, potassium, and calcium are cations, or positively charged ions. Ions can alter the pH of the body's fluids because they have a positive or negative charge. Balanced electrolyte levels are essential for survival since the body can only withstand extremely minor changes in the pH of its fluids and still operate normally. The three ions that are most abundant in the body are sodium, potassium, and chloride. In order to keep the body functioning and the fluid compartments' normal water distribution, these three electrolytes are particularly crucial.

Since sodium ions are the most common extracellular cation, they significantly increase osmotic pressure. Small amounts are produced during metabolic activity and are ingested in the form of foods and liquids. The main organ via which sodium ions are eliminated is the kidney. In intracellular fluids compared to external fluids, potassium concentration is significantly higher. The kidneys also eliminate it. Chloride ions are the main anions in extracellular fluid. They follow sodium ions passively as they cross a membrane and are eliminated by the kidneys.