The body must have the right amount and proportion of minerals at all times. The gastrointestinal tract and the kidneys work together to regulate minerals in the body. Minerals are recycled back to the stomach and intestines in the form of digestive juices and bile. These minerals, together with the minerals in food, are absorbed or reabsorbed as needed. About two gallons of digestive juices and minerals are recycled each day. Selective reabsorption through the intestines allows regulation of fluid and electrolyte balance.
The kidneys do more than simply adjust the amount of water retained by the body. Kidneys also regulate certain electrolytes. For example, when body stores of sodium get low, the adrenal glands secrete the hormone aldosterone. As you may recall, aldosterone helps the kidneys retain more sodium. When more sodium is retained, the electrolyte balance is maintained when the kidneys release another positive ion, often potassium.
Summary for Fluids and Electrolyte Balance
Water intake must equal water output.
The kidneys regulate blood pressure and blood volume.
Electrolytes are mineral ions that help regulate fluid balance.
Electrolytes are found in the plasma, in interstitial fluids, and inside the cells.
Electrolyte solutions are neutral with equal positive and negative charges.
Blood acidity is controlled by blood buffers, the kidneys, and the lungs.
ELECTROLYTE IMBALANCE
Sometimes, despite the excellent systems used to control electrolyte balance, the body’s mineral and fluid balances do get disrupted. It is not uncommon for heavy sweating to deplete fluids and electrolytes. Wounds can also throw off electrolyte balance through loss of blood. Diarrhea or vomiting can purge large amounts of fluids and minerals in a short time. Sodium and chloride losses are the most common because they are the minerals in the highest concentration in extracellular fluids.
Oral rehydration therapy is often administered when severe diarrhea threatens the health of malnourished children. Oral rehydration therapy is one cup of pure water with a teaspoon of sugar and a little salt. A zinc supplement added to oral rehydration therapy aids the therapy. This therapy can be helpful until the child is rehydrated and strong enough to recover with normal water and food.
The kidneys do more than simply adjust the amount of water retained by the body. Kidneys also regulate certain electrolytes. For example, when body stores of sodium get low, the adrenal glands secrete the hormone aldosterone. As you may recall, aldosterone helps the kidneys retain more sodium. When more sodium is retained, the electrolyte balance is maintained when the kidneys release another positive ion, often potassium.
Summary for Fluids and Electrolyte Balance
Water intake must equal water output.
The kidneys regulate blood pressure and blood volume.
Electrolytes are mineral ions that help regulate fluid balance.
Electrolytes are found in the plasma, in interstitial fluids, and inside the cells.
Electrolyte solutions are neutral with equal positive and negative charges.
Blood acidity is controlled by blood buffers, the kidneys, and the lungs.
ELECTROLYTE IMBALANCE
Sometimes, despite the excellent systems used to control electrolyte balance, the body’s mineral and fluid balances do get disrupted. It is not uncommon for heavy sweating to deplete fluids and electrolytes. Wounds can also throw off electrolyte balance through loss of blood. Diarrhea or vomiting can purge large amounts of fluids and minerals in a short time. Sodium and chloride losses are the most common because they are the minerals in the highest concentration in extracellular fluids.
Oral rehydration therapy is often administered when severe diarrhea threatens the health of malnourished children. Oral rehydration therapy is one cup of pure water with a teaspoon of sugar and a little salt. A zinc supplement added to oral rehydration therapy aids the therapy. This therapy can be helpful until the child is rehydrated and strong enough to recover with normal water and food.
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