Why is sodium essential for the human body?

Why is sodium essential for the human body?

Sodium is both an electrolyte and mineral. It helps keep the water (the amount of fluid inside and outside the body’s cells) and electrolyte balance of the body. Sodium is also important in how nerves and muscles work. Most of the sodium in the body (about 85%) is found in blood and lymph fluid.

What is sodium and how does it affect the body?

Sodium is an essential electrolyte that helps maintain the balance of water in and around your cells. It’s important for proper muscle and nerve function. It also helps maintain stable blood pressure levels. Insufficient sodium in your blood is also known as hyponatremia.

What effect does low sodium have on the body?

Low blood sodium is common in older adults, especially those who are hospitalized or living in long-term care facilities. Signs and symptoms of hyponatremia can include altered personality, lethargy and confusion. Severe hyponatremia can cause seizures, coma and even death.

What happens if you don’t have enough sodium?

Hyponatremia is a condition that occurs when the sodium in your blood falls below the normal range of 135–145 mEq/L. In severe cases, low sodium levels in the body can lead to muscle cramps, nausea, vomiting and dizziness. Eventually, lack of salt can lead to shock, coma and death.

What does low sodium do to the heart?

Limiting sodium in your diet helps minimize the amount of extra fluid around your heart, lungs, and in your legs. Extra fluid in your body makes your heart work harder and can increase your blood pressure.

Is low sodium salt healthy?

Nine out of 10 Americans eat more sodium (salt) than they need. Eating too much sodium can lead to high blood pressure. High blood pressure can raise your risk of having a heart attack or stroke. The good news is that cutting down on sodium can help lower your blood pressure or keep it at a healthy level.

What is sodium and is it good for you?

Despite its continued vilification, sodium is a necessary nutrient for good health. It’s one of your body’s electrolytes, which are minerals that create electrically charged ions. A major source of sodium in most diets is added salt in the form of sodium chloride — which is 40% sodium and 60% chloride by weight ( 1 ).

What happens if you consume too much sodium?

Consuming too much sodium causes fluid retention in some people. The extra fluid strains the heart and causes an increase in blood pressure. If left uncontrolled, high blood pressure damages your arteries and increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, erectile dysfunction and vision loss.

How does sodium affect us?

Since sodium is an integral part of nerve and muscle function, it is not surprising that too little or too much sodium in the body can affect both of these organ systems. Low levels of sodium, called hyponatremia , can cause muscle spasms, cramps, headache, irritability, restlessness, nausea and fatigue.

What is the treatment for elevated sodium?

Drinking fluids is usually the first mode of treatment for high blood sodium levels. However, in severe causes, IV hydration may be necessary.

What are the roles of sodium?

Sodium is dissolved in the blood and plays a key role in maintaining blood pressure. Sodium attracts and holds water, so the sodium in the blood helps maintain the liquid portion of the blood.