How are the levels of electrolyte balanced in the body?
The kidneys filter electrolytes from the blood stream and work to keep their levels in the blood constant. The body has to perform sophisticated balancing to keep the water and electrolyte levels at the right levels. For example, when the sodium level drops too low, the kidneys go into action by producing more urine, which then restores the balance by lowering the amount of water in the blood stream. When the sodium level gets too high, thirst develops, stimulating the person to drink more water. A hormone is also secreted by the brain in response to thirst that causes the kidneys to produce less urine. Together, these stimulations result in dilution of the sodium that keeps the body well balanced. Sports drink helps keep electrolyte well balanced in the body.
