Kidneys are responsible for the balance of electrolyte. Once diseased,
kidneys may not regulate the levels of them properly, then, you’d better to
check their levels. Among these electrolytes, calcium, phosphorus, potassium and
sodium are four electrolytes you should pay more attention to.
Calcium is necessary for muscle contraction, nerve function, blood clotting,
cell division and healthy bones and teeth. Calcium is mainly stored in bones and
teeth and only a little of them are in the blood. If calcium level is above or
higher than normal, it is called hypercalcemia, on the contrary, if calcium
level is below or lower than normal, it is called hypocalcemia. Hypercalcemia
may cause confused, irritable or even coma. Hypocalcemia may cause depression,
numbness, confusion, seizures and muscular spasm.
Phosphorus is negative electrolyte that impacts metabolism and regulates
acid-base balance, and is important for the energy use in the body . It is
usually present in blood as phosphate. Like calcium, it is also stored in bone
and teeth. When kidney fails, its level is often to be elevated. Elevated level
is a bad news for the health. Too much phosphate in blood will cause
hyperphosphatemia, which may make you itch all over and may damage your bone.
Too little phosphate in blood will cause hypophosphatemia, which may make you
feel weakness and even coma.
Potassium regulates heart contraction and helps maintain fluid balance and is
helpful for the work of nerve and muscle. Too much or too little potassium can
cause sudden death. Unlike calcium and phosphorus, it is mainly inside your
cells. When its level is above or higher than normal, it is called hyperkalemia.
When its level is below or lower than normal, it is called hypokalemia.
Hyperkalemia may cause muscle weak and even stop your heart. Hypokalemia may
cause fatigue, muscular weakness and irregular heart rhythms.
Sodium is important for the balance of fluid and water in your body. Unlike
potassium, it is mainly outside cells. Without proper balance of this
electrolyte, your blood will be too thick or too thin, because of the change of
water amount in your blood. If your sodium level is above or higher than normal,
it is called hypernatremia. If your sodium level is below or lower than normal,
it is called hyponatremia. Hypernatremia may cause thirsty, elevated blood
pressure and headache. Hyponatremia may cause muscular cramps, headache,
vomiting and nausea, even coma.
Not only each electrolyte level is important, but also the balance between
them is also important. For example, calcium and phosphorus can combine to form
crystal. Too much phosphate in the blood will bring calcium escape from bones
and teeth. This situation may cause fractures. Besides this, too much calcium
and phosphorus can form sharp crystal in blood which will damage blood
vessels.
Although the amount of electrolyte takes small account in the body, its roles
cannot be ignored by people, especially kidney patients. Any question, email me kidney-treatment@hotmail.com.
