In the human body, dissolved minerals, salts, and trace elements in blood and other bodily fluids are vital for the proper functioning of every cell. Electrolytes are chemical compounds that carry a positive or negative electrical charge (ions) in these fluids. These ions transport the electrical energy necessary for fundamental physiological processes such as nerve transmission, muscle contraction, hydration, and pH balance. Key electrolytes include sodium, potassium, chloride, bicarbonate, magnesium, calcium, and phosphate. For the body to maintain healthy functioning, these positively charged cations (sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium) and negatively charged anions (chloride, bicarbonate, phosphate) must be present in specific, balanced concentrations.