Minerals help regulate body processes, such as in enzyme systems. Minerals function in nerve impulse transmission and muscle contraction. Minerals help release energy from food. In the body, they work to maintain water balance and provide the correct pressure between cells and their surrounding fluids. Sodium and chloride are the major electrolytes in the fluid that surrounds body cells.
Potassium is the primary electrolyte within body cells.
Table salt is the most common food that contains both chloride and sodium. Most people consume more than enough sodium. In fact, many health experts believe that we consume too much sodium from salt and that a high salt intake may contribute to high blood pressure. The person who eats a well-balanced, varied diet containing plenty of fruits and vegetables usually consumes enough potassium. That individual may need extra potassium.