Electrolyte imbalances, Inflammation, and Disease

As we know, inflammation is the major underlying factor behind chronic, degenerative diseases.  The body’s cells work very hard to maintain pH balance in the body.  Our typical American diet and lifestyle is largely acidic and makes this process extremely difficult. 

When overly acidic imbalances are present in the body, the cellular health is compromised.  Decreased cellular oxygen levels and metabolic declines cause cells to ‘die off’ at a rapid rate.  As acidic residues increase, the body attempts to buffer these acids with alkaline minerals (calcium, magnesium, sodium and potassium) in order to excrete them from the body.  In the presence of such acidic diets and lifestyles, this buffering system can easily reach maximum capability, quickly leading to acidic waste storage in the tissues.

Cells require very specific ion balance.  Electrolytes must be maintained within specific limits to balance the pH of the body’s environment.  Even the slightest acid increases can quickly lead to inflammation of the organs and tissues.

Sodium is the major positive ion in fluid outside of the cells.  It is responsible for regulating the amount of water in the body and its movement is critical to the brain, nervous systems, and the muscles.  Excess sodium can result from a diet high in processed foods and table salt and the body will have to work overtime to rebalance these levels and excrete the excess.  Too much or too little can be deadly.

Potassium is the major positive ion found inside of the cells.  Potassium regulates the heartbeat and muscle function.  Since potassium is excreted by the kidneys, any increase or decrease could place unnecessary strain on this vital organ, or could, very well, signal that the kidneys are already in distress.

Chloride is a negatively charged ion (anion) found in the fluid outside of the cells and in our blood.  Chloride is crucial to helping the body maintain healthy fluid levels.  Excessive losses can occur in the presence of adrenal and kidney diseases, as well as heavy sweating and/or vomiting.  Increases can also occur from similar issues, all imbalances of which can be dangerous, even fatal.

Bicarbonate ions are needed as acid buffers to maintain a normal pH in the blood and other fluids of the body.  As noted above — acidic diets, lifestyles, medications, and diseases that interrupt the organs and metabolic conditions can easily disrupt our bicarbonate levels.

The kidneys are responsible for the elimination of any excess build up in the body, including uric acid.  These build ups can cause kidney damage.  When you are dealing with Inflammatory Diseases, such as Gout, you must ask yourself if there may be either a connection to potential electrolyte imbalances.  Could electrolyte imbalances be inhibiting waste and uric acid excretion?  Could uric acid or other waste build-ups be causing electrolyte imbalances?  Possibly both?  Either way, the kidneys and other filtering organs can only handle so much.  Rather than trying to figure out which is causing what, the solution is the same.  Address any imbalances causing the inflammation and malfunctions by getting honest about your diet and lifestyle.  These conditions generally develop as a result of metabolic dysfunction, not the genetic myths most of us have been fed.  Very rarely are we genetically prone to most of the chronic diseases we face today.  This notion will have you chasing prescription medication after prescription medication, rather than addressing the root of the problem.  Natural healing can take some time.  It is also a life-changing approach that many simply aren’t willing to do.  If you want to get serious about stopping, controlling or even reversing a chronic condition, ask yourself the following:

Am I eating a healthy, pH balanced diet?

Am I drinking enough water for my body?

Am I dealing with, and reducing, stress in my life?

Am I maintaining a healthy weight and exercising?

Am I getting enough vitamins and minerals from the food I eat?

Are there organ supporting and vitamin-boosting supplements to help rebuild and maintain my health?