Nutrition Chapter 7: Nutrients and Electrolytes

Nutrition

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Fluid
A substance composed of molecules that move past one another freely. fluids are characterized by their ability to conform to the shape of whatever container holds them
Intracellular fluid
The fluid held at any given time within the walls of the body's cells
Estracellular fluid
The fluid outside the body's cells, either in the body's tissues; as the liquid portion of blood, called plasma; or as digestive juices
Electrolyte
A substance that disassociates in solution into positively and negatively charged ions and is thus capable of carrying an electrical current
Ion
Any electrically charged particle, either positively or negatively charged
Solvent
A substance that is capable of mixing with and breaking apart a variety of compounds. Water is an excellent solvent
Blood volume
The amount of fluid in blood
Thirst mechanism
A cluster of nerve cells in the hypothalamus that stimulate our conscious desire to drink fluids in response to an increase in the concentration of salt in our blood or a decrease in blood pressure and blood volume
Metabolic water
The water formed as a byproduct of our body's metabolic reactions
Insensible water loss
The loss of water from the skin in the form of sweat and from the lungs during breathing
Diuretic
A substance that increases fluid loss via the urine. Common diuretics include coffee, tea, cola, and other caffeine-containing beverages, as well as prescription medications for high blood pressure and other disorders
Hypernatremia
A condition in which blood sodium levels are dangerously high
Hyponatremia
A condition in which blood sodium levels are dangerously low
Hyperkalemia
A condition in which blood potassium levels are dangerously high
Kypokalemia
A condition in which blood potassium levels are dangerously low