Chloride
Chloride is essential in the maintenance of the body's acid-base and fluid
balance. It is an essential component of the gastric (digestive) juices.
Increased intake of chloride in the form of salt can cause fluid retention, but
this is primarily because of the sodium in the salt, not the chloride.
A deficiency of chloride can be caused by fluid loss as a result of excessive
sweating, vomiting, or diarrhea. Use of medications such as diuretics can also
cause a deficiency. This loss of chloride can result in excessive alkalinity of
the body fluids (alkalosis), low fluid volume (dehydration), and loss of
potassium in the urine. (Source)
Chloride is mainly obtained from table salt or sea salt, which is primarily
sodium chloride. It is also found in many vegetables. Foods with higher amounts
of chloride are seaweed, rye, tomatoes, lettuce, celery, and olives. Potassium
chloride is found in most foods and is usually the main ingredient of salt substitutes.
(Source)
