Chlorine (Cl), chemical element, the second lightest member of the halogen elements, or Group 17 (Group VIIa) of the periodic table.

Cl-

Chloride Ion is a chlorine anion that forms the negatively charged part of certain salts, including sodium and hydrogen chloride salts, and is an essential electrolyte located in all body fluids responsible for maintaining acid/base balance, transmitting nerve impulses and regulating fluid in and out of cells.

Chloride is one of the most important electrolytes in the blood. It helps keep the amount of fluid inside and outside of your cells in balance. It also helps maintain proper blood volume, blood pressure, and pH of your body fluids.

The normal range for blood chloride is between 96 and 106 milliequivalents of chloride per liter of blood (mEq/L). A chloride level that’s above normal means there’s too much chloride in your blood, which is called hyperchloremia.

An increased level of blood chloride (called hyperchloremia) usually indicates dehydration, but can also occur with other problems that cause high blood sodium, such as Cushing syndrome or kidney disease.

One of the most important of these electrically charged minerals is chloride. It works with other electrolytes, such as sodium and potassium, to help balance acids and bases in your body. It also helps move fluid in and out of your cells. So if your chloride levels drop, you can become sick and dehydrated.

Some treatment options include:

1. taking medications to prevent nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
2. changing drugs if they are a factor in the electrolyte imbalance.
3. drinking 2–3 quarts of fluid every day.
4. receiving intravenous fluids.
5. eating a better, more balanced diet.

Food Sources Foods with higher amounts of chloride include seaweed, rye, tomatoes, lettuce, celery, and olives. Chloride, combined with potassium, is also found in many foods. It is most often the main ingredient in salt substitutes.

Normal Results A typical normal range is 96 to 106 milliequivalents per liter (mEq/L) or 96 to 106 millimoles per liter (millimol/L). Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories.

Causes of Hypochloremia: Loss of body fluids from prolonged vomiting, diarrhea, sweating or high fevers. Drugs such as: bicarbonate, corticosteroids, diuretics, and laxatives.

Normal levels of chloride for adults are in the 98–107 mEq/L range. If your test shows a chloride level higher than 107 mEq/L, you have hyperchloremia. In this case, your doctor may also test your urine for chloride and blood sugar levels to see if you have diabetes.

Hypochloremia is an electrolyte imbalance that occurs when there’s a low amount of chloride in your body….Symptoms include:

• fluid loss.
• dehydration.
• weakness or fatigue.
• difficulty breathing.
• diarrhea or vomiting, caused by fluid loss.

Chloride toxicity has not been observed in humans except in the special case of impaired sodium chloride metabolism, e.g. in congestive heart failure (13). Healthy individuals can tolerate the intake of large quantities of chloride provided that there is a concomitant intake of fresh water.

Complete blood count (CBC) – to evaluate blood cells and the balance between the solid and liquid portions of the blood; specifically, one component, the hematocrit, can be elevated with dehydration.

A simple way to gauge your level of hydration is to pay attention to the color of your urine. If your urine is very dark and has a strong odor, you are definitely dehydrated and should increase your water intake. If your urine is completely clear, you are likely drinking too much.

There are three main types of dehydration: hypotonic (primarily a loss of electrolytes), hypertonic (primarily loss of water), and isotonic (equal loss of water and electrolytes).

If you’re worried about your or someone else’s hydration status, here are the 5 best ways to rehydrate quickly.

1. Water. While it likely comes as no surprise, drinking water is most often the best and cheapest way to stay hydrated and rehydrate.
2. Coffee and tea.
3. Skim and low fat milk.
4. 4. Fruits and vegetables.

IV fluids work faster than drinking water. On the other hand, when you receive IV therapy, IV fluids enter your bloodstream directly. This means that the effects of hydration begin immediately, so you will feel better faster than when you simply drink a cup of water.

The 7 Best Drinks for Dehydration

1. Water. As you can imagine, water is one of the best drinks to fight dehydration.
2. Electrolyte-Infused Water. What’s even better than water?
3. Pedialyte.
4. Gatorade.
5. Homemade Electrolyte-Rich Drink.
6. Watermelon.
7. Coconut Water.