Electrolytes are chemicals naturally occurring in your body fluids. They include chloride, phosphate, potassium, sodium, and calcium. These are important for normal body functions and should be present in certain concentrations.
The kidneys maintain a balance of electrolytes by shifting sodium levels as the body requires. When the level of electrolytes in your body is too low or too high, the resulting condition is called an electrolyte imbalance. Maintaining an electrolyte balance is vital for your body to function smoothly.