The kidneys regulate the amount of electrolyte excretion in accordance with the amount ingested. The main two electrolytes are sodium and potassium. Sodium balance is important in the regulation of blood volume and pressure. Potassiuim control is important for proper cardiac and skeletal muscle function.

An obligatory amount of sodium and potassium is reabsorbed at the proximal tubule and loop of Henle, fine tuning occurs at the the distal tubule. Sodium and potassium absorption in the distal tubule is under aldosterone control.