Chloride
Chloride is an electrolyte and the most common extracellular anion—a negatively charged ion, atom, or molecule. The amount of chloride in the body is regulated by the kidneys. The kidneys can retain chloride in the body through filtration and reabsorption, but they can also excrete it.
Various problems can cause the chloride level in the blood to decrease. These include diarrhea, vomiting, chronic respiratory conditions, or the administration of diuretics—medications that help you get rid of excess fluid, or water pills. The chloride level can also be too high, which may result from diarrhea (yes, indeed, diarrhea again) or salt poisoning.
Electrolytes play an important role in the body. They are needed for, among other things, the functioning of the heart and central nervous system, fluid balance in the body, and oxygen transport. Electrolytes also help maintain an optimal blood pH. It is important to maintain a chemical balance of electrolytes in the body, and each electrolyte has a normal range in the body.
Finally, chloride plays a role in the digestion of food. Chloride is necessary for the formation of hydrochloric acid in the stomach. Hydrochloric acid is needed to activate certain digestive enzymes and to initiate digestion in the stomach.
Various organ systems depend on the physiological regulation of fluid status, electrolyte concentrations, and acid-base balance. These include the hypothalamus, the kidneys, and various parts of the cardiovascular system.
Severe disturbances in electrolyte concentrations can have unpleasant consequences. These may include negative effects on acid-base balance, muscle contractions, and enzyme function.
