What are electrolytes in the body, normal values, and Imbalance

The electrolytes in the body are substances that act as electrical conductors. They are minerals present in the blood such as calcium, potassium, sodium, magnesium, chloride, and phosphorus… an average of normal values is considered normal, which we will explain.

They are naturally formed in water and, in the body, through the intake of beverages and concentrated liquids to increase their plasma levels, and can also be incorporated through food.

Next, we will explain what electrolytes are, what they do in water, in blood, as well as those considered normal values and when an electrolyte imbalance can be considered, covering the differences between weak and strong ones.

What are electrolytes in the body

They are considered as ions in blood, free ones that can be sodium Na+, magnesium Mg2+, calcium Ca2+, and phosphorus P3-, although there are others with a very important medical function, meaning for the health of people.

They function as electrical conductors of synaptic signals and electrical impulses that circulate through the body. Electrolytes are electrically charged minerals present in the body’s fluids.

These minerals and substances in the blood separate into ions, allowing the electrical circulation of the nervous system to reach the cells, enabling muscle function and the transmission of nerve signals.

When electrolytes in water dissolve, they release their charge into positive and negative ions (cations and anions). The more ions they release, the stronger the electrolyte is, meaning they are strong electrolytes. For it to be called “strong“, it must be able to dissolve 100% in the body’s fluids.

In contrast, the so-called “weak electrolytes” are those that dissociate very little, meaning they remain almost intact, and therefore the ion release is low.

Below, we list all types of electrolytes in the body.

Types of strong electrolytes

Strong electrolytes are:

• Magnesium.
• Potassium.
• Phosphorus.
• Calcium.
• Sodium.
• Nitric oxide.
• Sodium chloride.
• Sodium hydroxide.
• Potassium chloride.
• Perchloric acid.
• Hydrochloric acid.

Weak electrolytes

Weak electrolytes are:

• Distilled water.
• Glycerin.
• Phenol.
• Boric, phosphoric, acetic, benzoic, lactic acid.
• Ethyamine.
• Ammonium hydroxide or ammonia.

There are many more examples of strong and weak electrolytes, these are just a few, but the list is endless.

Serum electrolytes

When we mention serum electrolytes, we refer to the minerals dissolved in the blood. Often, they are mentioned without the word “serum“, although generally, there is no distinction except for rare exceptions. By saying they are serum, they are related to the blood serum, present in this fluid of the body.

Plasmatic

In this case, something similar happens, meaning the levels of plasmatic electrolytes may be mentioned, which are present in the blood plasma and correspond to minerals like calcium, sodium, potassium, etc. All the ones we indicated in Electrolytes in the body.

In blood

These are in the bloodstream and circulate throughout the human body, also in that of vertebrate animals.

Electrolytes in blood can be measured through a specific test, which will measure the levels of potassium, sodium, and other minerals needed for human and animal health.

Sometimes the doctor may recommend several tests if symptoms of imbalance or hydroelectrolytic disorder persist, but these will always refer to those present in the bloodstream.

What they are for (function)

Since they are essential minerals, salts, or ionic solutions, once they enter metabolism electrolytes help maintain body hydration and allow nerve signals to reach different parts of the body.

In this way, through the electrolyte, it is possible to perform muscle function, effectively carrying out contraction and relaxation movements, and since muscles are involved in many systems of the body, such as the cardiovascular system, they are extremely important in the functioning and regulation of vital functions in humans.

Next, we explain what electrolytes are for:

• Regulate heartbeats.
• Allow the reception of nerve signals.
• Hydrate the body tissues.
• Participate in muscle function.
• Coagulate blood effectively.
• Regulate blood pressure.
• Balance water levels in the body.
• Regulate the acidity of the blood (blood pH).

Magnesium

It allows the transport of oxygen and calcium to the cells of the human body. The magnesium electrolyte also helps nerve impulses and enzymatic reactions reach their destination, acting as a co-factor.

It has several functions, so it is important to understand what magnesium is for in the human body because if there is a deficiency, whether due to poor diet or high wear, it can be excreted through sweat or urine, reducing its levels and hindering oxygen delivery to muscles, thereby decreasing muscular performance.

There are various ways to take magnesium, but they all prevent muscle cramps and physical and mental fatigue. It is key to the functioning of the heart muscle and all fibers responsible for movement in the body. It is sold in various chemical forms such as chloride, lactate, carbonate, and magnesium aspartate. An adequate level of magnesium in the body ensures a good mental state and powerful activity.

Potassium

Potassium is another electrolyte in the body and is necessary for blood pressure, meaning the push blood exerts against the walls of the arteries. It can be taken in various forms such as sulfate, nitrate, and also as potassium chloride. Along with magnesium, it is essential for the proper pumping of blood and the overall functioning of the heart.

Phosphorus

It is highly important, just like other electrolytes. Phosphorus is a mineral essential for muscle contraction, participating in energy production and DNA cell metabolism.

The phosphorus electrolyte affects homeostasis, allowing the regulation of fluids and becoming part of the bones.

The concentration of phosphorus in the blood plasma is important because it allows tissues to utilize it, playing a key role in the acid-base balance of the blood.

Calcium

Calcium electrolyte is one of the most important because it has both muscular and blood-related functions. It allows muscle contraction while also being necessary for blood clotting to prevent bleeding that could cause significant damage to the body. It also participates in the formation of bone tissue, bones, teeth, cartilage, and cell division. It is quite easy to obtain as there are many calcium-rich foods, as well as nutritional supplements in pill form.

Sodium

Sodium is present in electrolyte drinks, water, and many foods. Like the previous ones (magnesium, potassium, and calcium), it is an electrolyte that participates in the muscular system and allows nerve signals to be transmitted between the various organs and parts of human anatomy. You can find it in its isolated form or as sodium bicarbonate, which also works in electrolyte balance.

All of them, as you can see, are present in various products and foods, including the so-called “electrolyte drinks.” Now, let’s take a look at them.

Nitric oxide

It allows greater muscle power, often taken as a supplement by bodybuilders, as calculating the doses properly increases muscle performance. Nitric oxide is an electrolyte with vasodilator properties, widening veins and arteries, allowing more blood flow, and therefore more oxygen and nutrients can be transported to the body cells.

It acts as a cell protector when there is an increased energy demand from high-intensity exercise.

Now, it is often necessary to include them in greater amounts through drinks with electrolytes. Whether because we do a lot of exercise, sweat excessively, or because our diet does not include them in the recommended daily amounts. Next, let’s look at their liquid forms.

Electrolyte drinks

They are liquids with a composition rich in assimilable minerals. They have an electric charge, and drinking them helps restore the normal electrolyte levels in the body.

They are available in many online nutrition stores and shops with nutritional products. You can buy them along with protein tubs, or choose an isotonic drink from the supermarket such as:

• Water.
• Isotonic drinks.
• Powebar.
• Electrolit.
• Powerade.
• Isostar.

The thing is that if you exercise frequently you need electrolyte drinks, but also if you sweat a lot, since you lose them with every drop of sweat. Their electric charge allows the body to function normally, completing the nerve pathways, and muscles can contract without cramps and spasms.

They are common in water, although until recently, they were only available in preparations with other substances or prepared at home.

Additionally, electrolytes in drinks are also oral, and you can buy them in powder form, meaning you can get a solid solution to add one or two teaspoons to water and other drinks to consume while cycling, running, or after finishing and resting at home.

Water

Sometimes they are called “electrolyte waters”, but in general, they are referred to as electrolytes in water or in water. They can dissolve after being added to H2O, so the result is an isotonic drink.

The ions dissociate when in contact with the liquid, improving conductivity, which the added minerals naturally have. Remember that if they dissolve more, they are strong electrolytes, and if they dissolve little in water, then they are weak electrolytes.

In water, electrolytes help circulate electricity throughout the human body. Being present in liquid form makes the body a much better conductor, improving the sending and receiving of nerve system signals.

When we sweat a lot, they are excreted with sweat and toxins, making it more likely that the so-called “electrolyte imbalance” will occur, which we explain below.

Coconut

In many cases, it is recommended because coconut water is rich in electrolytes. It contains several minerals like iodine, zinc, and selenium, in addition to vitamins and amino acids that help complete the body’s function.

Although it is not exactly an isotonic drink, it has many similarities, being closer to a natural fruit juice. Drinking coconut water helps us maintain an adequate electrolyte level, while also providing sugars, fats, and vitamins.

Normal electrolyte values

Next, we list the normal electrolyte values in blood for adults:

Keep in mind that this is an average of each electrolyte value, and it should always be measured individually for each person.

Although samples are taken from a large population and various studies, each person may have slight variations either higher or lower.

The specialist is the appropriate professional who can tell you if the blood electrolyte values for adults and children are suitable in your case, evaluating your daily physical activity, age, and other factors.

Electrolyte imbalance

Electrolyte imbalance is the lack of electrolytes in the blood.

When electrolytes come into contact with water, they separate, producing ions with positive and negative charges. This chemical reaction in the body allows for an exchange of electrolytes in the cellular system, between the inside and outside of cells.

If you have a low electrolyte level, muscle and psychological problems begin, which may present as symptoms such as muscle pain, pulls, cramps, muscle spasms, and at a psychological level, confusion and apathy are likely to appear. Therefore, it is important to restore proper levels, preventing the electrolyte imbalance from continuing for too long.

Except for some exceptions, drinking an isotonic beverage will satisfy the body’s needs, establishing the required level.

Now that we know what electrolytes are for, their functions, the different types, and the imbalances, we will explain the most common symptoms you might notice when these are low in the body.

Symptoms

• Muscle spasms.
• General weakness.
• Seizures.
• Arrhythmia.
• Mental confusion.
• Abnormal blood pressure.
• Nervous system disorders.
• Poor bone formation.

Correcting this deficiency is relatively simple unless there is a hormonal problem causing it or another disorder preventing the absorption of minerals.

To eliminate the electrolyte imbalance or hydroelectrolytic imbalance in the body, it is enough to drink water with minerals or consume an isotonic beverage. It’s that simple…