What Are Electrolytes?
Reviewed: Dr. Gromatzky
5. Sodium
Sodium is one of the most abundant electrolytes in the body. The bulk of it is found in blood and other body fluids. One of the most important roles of sodium is the maintenance of normal body fluid balance; a process that also involves the potassium electrolyte. The two electrolytes also play a part in the control of blood pressure.
Sodium also has a role in muscle and nerve functions together with other electrolytes. The normal level of sodium in the body ranges between 135 and 145 mEq/L, which is easy to obtain from diet. For this reason, sodium deficiency is rare. Excess sodium is filtered out by the kidneys and excreted in urine.
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