Water & Electrolyte Metabolism

Electrolyte concentrations have a direct influence on the body's fluid levels.

Fluid levels in the body have a direct influence on cell metabolism processes, blood pressure levels and kidney functions. Body fluids consist mainly of water intermixed with electrolyte minerals. Maintaining adequate levels of water and electrolytes is an ongoing process that involves a series of chemical interactions throughout the body. The brain and kidneys play vital roles in regulating this delicate balance.

Identification

The body's fluid, or water levels play a vital role in maintaining healthy cell, tissue and organ function according to the Merck Manual. Water makes up anywhere from 50 to 60 percent of body mass and is present within every area. Contained inside these fluids are charged mineral materials called electrolytes. Electrolyte materials include sodium, chlorine, potassium, calcium, magnesium and phosphate, which enter the body through daily food intake according to MedlinePlus. Water and electrolyte metabolism involves regulating fluid content in the cells, in the bloodstream and in the spaces that surround the cells.

Function

According to the Merck Manual, electrolyte levels and kidney processes work together to control water amounts throughout the body. Since electrolytes are charged particles, they can exert a chemical pull, or force on water molecules. As a result, high levels of electrolytes in cells and tissue will draw water inside these areas, while low levels will have the opposite effect. When fluid levels become too high, the kidneys work by filtering electrolyte materials out of the blood and excreting them in the form of urine. The kidneys can also reduce excess water amounts in the same way.

Effects

Sodium electrolyte levels can have a significant effect on water levels when too much or too little is present, according to the Merck Manual. Sodium's ability to attract water can alter the amount of fluid present in the blood and cells of the body. As a result, too much or too little sodium can easily offset blood pressure levels. Conditions that can aggravate water and electrolyte metabolism include dehydration, certain medications and disorders involving the liver, kidneys or heart.

Water Balance

The ultimate goal of water and electrolyte metabolism processes is to ensure that water intake amounts balance out with the amount being excreted by the body, according to the University of California at Berkeley. Mechanisms in place to regulate fluid levels include salt and thirst cravings, sweating, urination and respiration. Areas in the brain also play a part in stimulating kidney processes. The hypothalamus portion of the brain secretes two hormones--vasopressin and ADH--that regulate how the kidneys respond to fluid levels in the body. These hormones can also stimulate sweating, respiration, and thirst and salt cravings.

Regulation and Balance

According to the University of California at Berkeley, maintaining necessary fluid levels in the body involves the regulation of both water and electrolyte metabolism processes, rather than regulating just one or the other. Changes in water volume, which takes place when the body becomes dehydrated, can result in high electrolyte concentrations in the cells and tissues. This condition can impair normal cell function and result in damage to cell structures. To correct for this, the body must conserve water as well as maintain or reduce electrolyte levels at the same time; otherwise an automatic increase in electrolyte levels may result from accumulating fluid levels.

References

• MedlinePlus: Fluid and Electrolyte Balance
• University of California at Berkeley: Fluid and Electrolyte Balance
• Merck Manual: Water Balance
• Merck Manual: Minerals and Electrolytes

Resources

• Mayo Clinic: Water---How Much Should you Drink Every Day?