WATER AND ELECTROLYTES
PREPARED BY MR. ABHIJIT DAS
WATER
DISTRIBUTION OF WATER IN THE BODY
Water is essential for the human body to function
properly. The distribution of water in the human body can be categorized as
follows:
1.
Intracellular fluid (ICF): This is the
fluid inside cells and makes up about 2/3 of the total body water. The ICF is
primarily composed of water, electrolytes, and proteins.
2.
Extracellular fluid (ECF): This is the
fluid outside cells and makes up about 1/3 of the total body water. The ECF can
be further divided into:
·
Interstitial fluid: This is the fluid
that surrounds cells in tissues and makes up about 75% of the ECF. The
interstitial fluid is composed of water, electrolytes, and some proteins.
·
Plasma: This is the fluid portion of
blood and makes up about 25% of the ECF. Plasma is composed of water,
electrolytes, proteins, hormones, and other substances.
3.
Transcellular fluid: This is the fluid
that is present in specific compartments of the body, such as cerebrospinal
fluid, synovial fluid, and gastrointestinal secretions.
Overall, water makes up about 60% of the total body
weight in adults, with the exact percentage varying based on factors such as
age, sex, and body composition.
FUNCTIONS OF WATER
Water plays a crucial role in maintaining various
bodily functions. Some of the primary functions of water in the human body
include:
1.
Regulating body temperature: Water helps
to regulate body temperature through sweating and evaporation, which helps to
cool down the body when it gets too hot.
2.
Transporting nutrients and oxygen: Water
is a key component of blood, which transports nutrients, oxygen, and other
substances to cells throughout the body.
3.
Removing waste: Water helps to remove
waste products from the body through urine and feces.
4.
Lubricating joints: Water is a key component
of synovial fluid, which lubricates joints and helps to prevent damage from
friction.
5.
Supporting digestion: Water helps to
dissolve and transport nutrients from the digestive system to the rest of the
body.
So, it is important to drink enough water and stay
hydrated to ensure that these functions are carried out efficiently.
WATER TURNOVER
Water turnover refers to the process of water intake
and excretion in the body, which helps to maintain proper fluid balance. The
body is constantly losing water through activities such as sweating, urinating,
and breathing, and this lost water must be replenished through drinking fluids
and consuming foods that contain water.
In general, an adult's water turnover is around 2-3 liters per day, which means that this amount of
water must be consumed and excreted in order to maintain proper fluid balance.
The kidneys play a
key role in regulating water turnover by adjusting the amount of water that is
excreted in urine based on the body's needs. When the body is dehydrated, the
kidneys will conserve water and produce less urine, while when the body has
excess water, the kidneys will produce more urine to eliminate the excess.
Overall, water turnover is important for maintaining
proper fluid balance and ensuring that the body functions properly. It is
important to drink enough water and stay hydrated to support this process.
WATER BALANCE
Water balance is the maintenance of the proper
amount of water in the body. The human body requires a certain amount of water
to function properly, and it is important to maintain a balance of water intake
and water loss to support bodily functions.
The body regulates water balance through mechanisms
such as thirst, which prompts us to drink water when the body needs it, and the
kidneys, which adjust the amount of water excreted in urine based on the body's
needs.
When the amount of water taken in is less than the
amount lost, the body becomes dehydrated, which can cause symptoms such as
thirst, dry mouth, and dark urine. When the amount of water taken in is more
than the amount lost, the body can become overhydrated, which can cause
symptoms such as swelling, bloating, and headache.
Factors that can affect water balance include
physical activity level, environmental temperature, and the amount of salt and
other electrolytes consumed.
Overall, maintaining proper water balance is crucial
for maintaining proper bodily functions and overall health. It is important to
drink enough water and stay hydrated to support this process.
ELECTOLYTES
DEFINITION
Electrolytes are electrically charged minerals and
compounds that are present in the body fluids, including blood, urine, and
other bodily fluids. These charged particles are crucial for various bodily
functions, including maintaining proper fluid balance, transmitting nerve
impulses, and regulating muscle function.
ELECTROLYTE COMPOSITION OF THE BODY
FLUIDS
The electrolyte composition of different body fluids
can vary, and the values can depend on a variety of factors such as age, sex,
and health status. Here are some approximate ranges for electrolyte
concentrations in various body fluids:
1.
Blood plasma:
- Sodium:
135-145 mmol/L
- Potassium:
3.5-5.0 mmol/L
- Chloride:
95-105 mmol/L
- Bicarbonate:
22-28 mmol/L
- Calcium:
8.5-10.5 mg/dL
2.
Intracellular fluid:
- Potassium:
140 mmol/L
- Phosphate:
103 mmol/L
- Magnesium:
25 mmol/L
3.
Extracellular fluid:
- Sodium:
135-145 mmol/L
- Chloride:
95-105 mmol/L
4.
Cerebrospinal fluid:
- Sodium:
138 mmol/L
- Potassium:
2.5-3.5 mmol/L
- Chloride:
120 mmol/L
DIETARY INTAKE OF ELECTROLYTES
Electrolytes are obtained through the diet and are
found in a variety of foods and beverages. Here are some dietary sources of the
major electrolytes:
1.
Sodium:
- Table
salt (sodium chloride)
- Cheese
- Pickles
2.
Potassium:
- Fruits
(e.g. bananas, oranges, cantaloupe, avocados)
- Vegetables
(e.g. spinach, broccoli, sweet potatoes)
- Dairy
products (e.g. milk, yogurt)
- Legumes
(e.g. beans, lentils)
3.
Chloride:
- Table
salt (sodium chloride)
- Olives
4.
Calcium:
- Dairy
products (e.g. milk, cheese, yogurt)
- Leafy
green vegetables (e.g. kale, broccoli, spinach)
- Fortified
foods (e.g. cereals, juices)
- Fish
(e.g. sardines, salmon)
5.
Magnesium:
- Nuts
and seeds (e.g. almonds, pumpkin seeds)
- Whole
grains (e.g. brown rice, quinoa)
- Leafy
green vegetables (e.g. spinach, kale)
- Legumes
(e.g. beans, lentils)
ELECTROLYTE BALANCE
- Electrolyte
balance refers to proper levels of charged minerals in the body.
- Electrolytes
include sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, chloride, bicarbonate, and
phosphate.
- Imbalances
can occur due to dehydration, illness, medication, and other factors.
- For
example, Low sodium levels (hyponatremia) can cause headache, nausea,
confusion, seizures, and coma. High potassium levels (hyperkalemia) can
cause muscle weakness, fatigue, and heart rhythm disturbances.
- Maintaining
proper electrolyte balance involves staying hydrated and eating a balanced
diet.
- Medical
intervention may be necessary to correct electrolyte imbalances.
DEHYDRATION
DEFINITION
Dehydration is a medical condition that occurs when
the body loses more fluids than it takes in, resulting in an imbalance of
electrolytes and a decrease in the volume of body fluids.
CAUSES OF DEHYDRATION
1.
Inadequate Fluid Intake: Not drinking
enough water or fluids, especially during hot weather, intense physical
activity, or illness, can lead to dehydration.
2.
Excessive Sweating: When the body sweats
excessively, such as during intense exercise or in hot and humid conditions, it
can lose a significant amount of fluids and electrolytes.
3.
Diarrhea: Diarrhea can lead to
dehydration as it increases fluid loss through the stools.
4.
Vomiting: Vomiting can cause dehydration
by causing the body to lose fluids and electrolytes rapidly.
5.
Increased Urination: Certain medical
conditions such as uncontrolled diabetes or medications such as diuretics can
cause increased urination, leading to dehydration.
ORAL REHYDRATION THERAPY
Oral rehydration therapy (ORT) is a simple and
effective way to treat dehydration caused by various conditions, such as
diarrhea, vomiting, and excessive sweating. Here are some key points about ORT:
- ORT
involves drinking a solution of water, salt, and sugar to replace fluids
and electrolytes lost during dehydration.
- The
World Health Organization recommends a specific formula for ORT, which
includes mixing 1 liter of clean water with 6 teaspoons of sugar and 1/2
teaspoon of salt.
- ORT
is usually given in small sips or spoonfuls to prevent vomiting and to
allow the body to gradually absorb the fluid and electrolytes.
- ORT
can be administered at home, in health clinics, or in hospitals, and is
usually recommended for mild to moderate cases of dehydration.
- ORT
can also be combined with other treatments, such as antibiotics or
antiemetics, to manage underlying conditions causing dehydration.
- ORT
is safe and effective for most people, but in severe cases of dehydration,
intravenous fluids may be necessary.
- ORT
can also be used as a preventive measure, such as during hot weather or
intense physical activity, to prevent dehydration before it occurs.