Electrolytes are crucial elements that ensure the normal functioning of the human body. The most important ones among them are such ions as sodium (+), potassium (+), chloride (-), bicarbonate (-), calcium (+), and phosphate (-). These elements predominantly help the bodies to coordinate muscle and nerve functioning, assist endocrine secretion, and regulate the movement of water between different compartments. For instance, high or low concentrations of sodium in some of the compartments can increase or decrease the volume of water present in them accordingly.
The main source of the electrolytes in the body is food, whereas the elimination process occurs mostly as a result of defecation and urination and loss through sweating. Therefore, such issues as renal failure, excessive sweating, and diarrhea can significantly affect the electrolyte balance in the organism. The latter, in turn, can lead to the appearance of such symptoms as high blood pressure, muscle spasms, arrhythmia, disturbance in acid-base balance, and feeling of weakness.