Electrolytes
What are electrolytes?
Electrolytes are minerals in our body that help our body send signals and control fluid flow and balance.
Describe what osmosis is.
Osmosis is the movement of water from an area of high water concentration (and low solute concentration) to an area of low water concentration (and high solute concentration).
True or False: The body is approximately 85% fluids.
False, the body is approximately 60% fluids
What is dehydration?
Not drinking enough fluids or losing fluid faster than you can take it in.
What is edema?
Fluids leaking into intercellular spaces.
Name examples of electrolytes
Na (sodium), K (potassium), Ca (calcium), PO4 (phosphate)
True or False: Isotonic solution has the same solute concentration as the inside of the cell and is balanced.
True!
What are fluids and name examples?
Fluids are substances that help keep our cells and organs working properly. Examples are water, juice, milk, soups/broths, stews, fruits and vegetables with high water content (i.e. watermelon, cucumbers).
What are ways we naturally lose fluids?
Breathing, urination, defecation, sweating
What are three causes of edema?
Menstruation, medications, malnutrition
Why are electrolytes important?
- They help balance fluids inside and outside of cells
- Supports nerve signals and muscle contractions
- Maintain acid-base (pH) balance in the body
- Assist in hydration and regulation of blood pressure
Describe hypotonic solution
Hypotonic is a solution with a lower solute concentration compared to the inside of a cell. So, water moves into the cell, causing it to swell.
Name the roles of fluid in the body.
1. Transports nutrients
2. Transports and excretes metabolic waste
3. Supports cell shape and structure
4. Lubricates surfaces and joints
5. Sustains normal body temperature
6. Regulates blood pressure
What are symptoms of dehydration?
Lightheaded, dry mouth, tired, dark yellow urine, rapid heart rate, dizziness, confusion
What is the treatment for water retention?
Treat the underlying cause or diuretic medications.
What are sources of calcium?
Milk, cheese, yogurt, leafy green vegetables (broccoli, kale), fortified alternative milks
Which solution would cause a signal to be sent to the brain telling us we're thirsty?
Hypertonic would cause osmoreceptors to send signals to the hypothalamus in the brain to prompt us to drink water and restore fluid balance.
What do fluids transport in the body?
Nutrients and metabolic waste.
What are the complications of dehydration?
Kidney problems (i.e. UTIs, stones, failure), and seizures (related to electrolyte disturbances).
What is water loading?
Drinking a lot of water in a short period of time to manipulate weight.
How do electrolytes interact with water?
Ions of electrolytes are dissolved in water.
What is hypertonic?
More solutes outside than inside the cell.
What hormone helps our kidneys conserve water to keep us hydrated?
Antidiuretic hormone (ADH) or vasopressin or arginine vasopressin or arginine vasopressin peptide (AVP)
How do we treat dehydration?
Drink more fluids, and may require fluids with electrolytes. If severe dehydration, may require medical intervention (i.e. IV's).
Name three effects of water loading?
Nausea/vomiting, electrolyte deficiencies, uncomfortable urges to go to the bathroom.