Module 8 Water and Electrolytes

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of the nephron in the kidney?

Producing urine

Storing electrolytes

Filtering blood (correct)

Regulating blood pressure

Which of the following electrolytes is primarily found in extracellular fluid?

Magnesium (Mg+)

Sodium (Na+) (correct)

Potassium (K+)

Calcium (Ca+)

What component is NOT a part of urine composition?

Water

Urea

Chloride

Glucose (correct)

How do electrolytes primarily function in the body?

As charged particles to maintain water balance Signup and view all the answers

What is the main dietary source of sodium commonly consumed?

Processed foods and table salt Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary cause of most hypertension cases?

Essential hypertension Signup and view all the answers

Which dietary mineral is recommended to help relax blood vessels and potentially lower blood pressure?

Potassium Signup and view all the answers

What is a key lifestyle change recommended for managing hypertension?

Maintaining a healthy body weight Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a component of the DASH eating plan?

High-fat dairy Signup and view all the answers

Which food source should be limited to help control sodium intake and manage hypertension?

Processed foods Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary dietary source of sodium for most individuals?

Processed foods Signup and view all the answers

Which mechanism describes the movement of water across cell membranes?

Osmosis Signup and view all the answers

What is the adequate intake (AI) for potassium for adults?

4700 mg per day Signup and view all the answers

Which electrolyte plays a key role in nerve transmission along with sodium?

Potassium Signup and view all the answers

What is the Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) for sodium for adults?

2300 mg per day Signup and view all the answers

What type of foods have a naturally low chloride content?

Most whole foods Signup and view all the answers

What is the main consequence of dehydration on electrolyte balance?

Decreased sodium excretion Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of sodium chloride is made up of chloride?

60% Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Dietary Sodium And Chloride

Processed foods are the main dietary source of sodium
Sodium is added to foods for taste and as a preservative
Very little sodium comes from naturally occurring sources
Adults under 50 should consume no more than 1,500 milligrams (mg) of sodium per day
Those over 70 should aim for 1,200 mg of sodium per day
The upper limit for sodium is 2,300 mg per day
Most food sources are low in natural chloride
Table salt, or sodium chloride, is about 60% chloride

Dietary Potassium

The recommended daily intake of potassium is 4,700 mg
Most Americans do not consume enough potassium
Fresh fruits, vegetables, legumes, milk, meats, whole grains are good sources of potassium
Salt substitutes containing potassium chloride (KCl) can also be a source of potassium

Functions Of Electrolytes

Electrolytes including sodium, potassium and chloride play an important role in water and electrolyte balance
Movement of electrolytes and water across cell walls happens through two processes: diffusion and osmosis
Diffusion is the movement from an area of greater concentration to an area of lesser concentration
Osmosis is the movement of water across a membrane from an area with fewer particles to an area with more particles
Electrolytes are essential for maintaining normal blood pH

Sodium, Potassium, and Chloride In Nerve Transmission

Sodium and potassium carry a charge when dissolved in water
This charge helps with the function of excitable cells in nerves
As sodium moves into the cell, potassium moves out
Nephrons, microscopic structures in the kidneys filter blood
Each kidney contains one million nephrons
The composition of urine includes: water, electrolytes, urea, and creatinine

Electrolytes: Sodium, Potassium, And Chloride

Electrolytes are minerals that become charged particles when placed in water
Cations are minerals with a positive charge
Anions are minerals with a negative charge
Sodium (Na+), potassium (K+) and chloride (Cl-) are electrolytes important in water balance
Sodium (Na+) is the main cation present in extracellular fluid
Potassium (K+) is the primary intracellular cation
Chloride (Cl-) is an anion and is more concentrated in extracellular fluid

Dietary Sodium

Health professionals recommend decreasing sodium intake.
The majority of sodium in our diet is not from salt added during cooking.
Excess sodium intake increases the risk of coronary heart disease, stroke, and kidney damage
85% of hypertension cases are caused by unknown factors
Hypertension due to unknown causes is known as essential hypertension
Most hypertension can be treated with dietary and lifestyle changes, as well as medication

Dietary Changes For Blood Pressure Control

High sodium intake may increase the risk of hypertension in some people
Food labels contain sodium information
Potassium helps to relax blood vessels, which can reduce blood pressure
Increasing potassium intake is recommended
Calcium and magnesium can also be beneficial in managing blood pressure

Hypertension And Diet

The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) eating plan emphasizes consuming more of the following: fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products
The DASH diet increases potassium, magnesium, and calcium intake.
It also recommends reducing saturated fat intake
To help prevent/control hypertension, lower sodium intake and avoid/limit processed foods and fast foods
Lifestyle changes, such as maintaining a healthy weight and participating in regular physical activity are also recommended.

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Description

This quiz covers essential information about dietary sodium, potassium, and chloride, including their sources, recommended daily intakes, and functions in maintaining electrolyte balance. Understand the importance of these electrolytes in your diet and how they affect overall health.