The amounts of various minerals in the body must remain nearly constant.
Our bodies are efficient at regulating the concentration of electrolyte, even when dietary intake varies dramatically.
Sodium and chloride balance is regulated to some extent by the intake of both salt and water. Regulation occurs chiefly at two sites: the GI tract and the kidneys.
In health, normal homeostatic mechanisms function to maintain electrolyte balance. In illness, one or more the regulating mechanisms may be affected or an imbalance many become too great for the body to correct without treatment.
To regulate the electrolyte contents, the kidneys depend on the adrenal glands, which send out messages by way of the hormone aldosterone.
If the body sodium is low aldosterone stimulates sodium re-absorption from the kidneys.
Regulating electrolyte balance
