Sodium in the body - standard, testing, what it's in, how to supplement

Muscle aches, cramps, weakness or dizziness are some of the symptoms of electrolyte imbalance in the body. And while it is not uncommon for a few sips of liquid prepared from an effervescent tablet to suffice, sometimes this is not enough. This is when it is worth considering whether you are lacking a particular electrolyte, one of which is sodium.

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This mineral, among other things, helps to maintain water balance and supports muscle function. In short, it is very important, and you can find out exactly what it does in the information we have prepared together with Ilona Krzak, MSc pharmacy.

See also:

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• Best magnesium - ranking
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• Iron - action
• Potassium in the body
• Magnesium - properties
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• Copper - what it helps with
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• Iodine - when to take
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What is sodium?

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Sodium is a chemical element that is one of the most important electrolytes in the body. Electrolytes are compound ions crucial to most vital functions. Sodium particularly affects the body's water balance, blood pressure, and nerve and muscle functionand.

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Also, sodium is involved in the digestive process, aiding the absorption of certain nutrients - such as glucose - in the intestines. Although it is essential for the body to function properly, too much sodium can lead to negative health consequences such as hypertensionand.

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Sodium - uses

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Sodium, one of the most common chemical elements, is intrinsically linked to many aspects of everyday life. It is used in a variety of industries, from glass and paper production, to medicine and nutrition, to life sciences.

• Glass production. Sodium is a very important element in glass production. It is added to the mixture when it is heated to a high temperature to soften the glass and make it easier to shape.
• Paper industry. Sodium is also used in the paper industry to produce cellulose rubber, which is an essential ingredient in many types of paper.
• Medicine. In medicine, sodium is often used in intravenous solutions to help regulate electrolyte levels in the patient's body.
• Nutrition. Sodium is the most common mineral in the diet, known primarily as the main component of table salt.
• Natural Sciences. In the life sciences, sodium is used in various experiments, such as to understand the reactions between metals and water.

Sodium - properties and effects

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Sodium is a key ingredient that plays an important role in the regulation of many bodily functions. Its adequate concentration is important for the normal course of numerous vital processes. 

What is sodium responsible for in the body?

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Regulation of blood pressure

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Sodium promotes fluid balance in the body by 'attracting' water. In doing so, it increases the volume of the blood and thus its pressure. How does this process work according to MA Pharmacy?

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If we provide too much sodium, when it goes into the blood and its concentration is higher, it pulls water from the tissues into the blood vessels (which are elastic), which affects the pressure - adds pharmacist.

But it doesn't stop there; sodium also affects the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone (RAA) system, which is the main regulator of blood pressure. When the body's sodium levels are too low, the body starts to secrete renin, leading to the production of angiotensin II, which increases blood pressureand.

Angiotensin II also stimulates the secretion of aldosterone, a hormone that promotes sodium reabsorption in the kidneys, further leading to water retention and increased blood pressure .

Neural conductance

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Sodium in the body is essential for the transmission of messages in the brain and body. When neurons are activated, sodium ions flow into the neuron, generating voltage changes that create this signal. Sodium is also needed to return neurons to their original resting state after a signal has been transmitted, ensuring that they are ready to conduct the next signaland.

A little simpler it looks like this...

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Sodium is like a message relay in the body. When the brain wants to tell the muscles what to do, it uses, among other things, sodium to send that message.

Think of it like the information flowing through the electrical wires in your home. When you turn on a light, an electric current flows through the wire, illuminating the room. In the body, instead of an electric current, there is sodium, which helps send information from the brain to other parts of the body.

So when you want to catch a ball, for example, your brain sends a message via sodium to your hand, telling it what to do. The sodium helps this message to travel along the pathway (neurons) in your body until it reaches your hand.

Sodium helps your hand to travel along the pathway (neurons) in your body until it reaches your hand.

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Fluid balance

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Sodium also regulates the total water content of the body and the maintenance of fluid homeostasis. It is the main cation (positive ion) found in the body's extracellular fluids, which attracts water and helps to maintain osmotic pressure. This pressure affects the movement of water between cells and their surroundingsand.

The body's sodium balance is also linked to the regulation of kidney function. The kidneys control sodium levels in the body through the processes of filtration and reabsorption. When sodium levels in the body are high, the kidneys increase sodium excretion through the urine to restore balanceand.

If sodium levels are low, the kidneys retain salt to maintain the right amount of water in the body. Therefore, a balance between salt intake and salt excretion by the kidneys is important for the body to function properly.

Metabolic processes

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Sodium is integral to digestion, as it affects the secretion of certain digestive enzymes. Furthermore, it is important for the process of transporting glucose and amino acids across cell membranes, which is fundamental to the operation of many metabolic systems, such as glycolysisand. And glycolysis the process by which glucose (sugar) is converted into energy.

Acid-base balance

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Sodium affects the regulation of acid-base balance in the human body. As the name suggests, this balance is defined by the ratio of acids to bases in the tissues and fluids in the body. Sodium bases neutralise excess acids that can build up due to eating processed foods, stress or exposure to toxinsand.

Sodium helps to maintain the body's pH through an alkaline sodium buffer, which maintains the balance of sodium, potassium and hydrogen ions.

Additionally, sodium supports the body in absorbing and transporting nutrients, which is also key to maintaining optimal acid-base balanceand.

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Daily sodium requirements

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Daily sodium requirements depend on age. The dietary standards for the Polish population suggest the following sufficient intake for specific groups of people:

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Low sodium - symptoms and causes of deficiency

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Sodium deficiency, medically known as hyponatraemia, occurs when sodium levels in the human body are low. The most common causes include excessive water loss from the body and inadequate hydration. What flushes sodium out of the body?

Cause of low sodium in the bodyand:

• Accelerated water loss in the body. Accelerated water loss, such as through excessive sweating, vomiting, diarrhoea or urination, can lead to low sodium levels. When you lose too much fluid, the body may not be able to maintain an adequate concentration of this element.
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• Inadequate hydration. Drinking huge amounts of water in a short period of time can counteract the kidneys' ability to excrete water, making it difficult to maintain normal sodium levels. This phenomenon is often referred to as 'water intoxication'.
• Kidney diseases. The kidneys have important functions in regulating sodium levels in the body. Therefore, disruption of their function can lead to deficiency by reducing their ability to filter and return salt.
• Heart or liver failure. Both heart and liver failure can lead to fluid retention in the body, resulting in sodium dilution. In heart failure, the body often retains fluids, leading to oedema. Similarly, severe failure of the liver (e.g. during cirrhosis), can lead to retention of large amounts of fluid.
• Influence of medications. Some medications can disrupt electrolyte balance and lead to hyponatraemia (sodium deficiency). Examples of such medications include antidepressants, diuretics, NSAIDs and some painkillers.
• Hormonal disorders. Endocrine disorders such as SIADH Syndrome can lead to excessive water retention and as a result - sodium deficiency.

Low sodium - symptoms

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Low sodium levels in the body can cause a number of - not always clear-cut - symptoms. The lack of this element disrupts the water-electrolyte and nerve balance, leading to various problems. With a slight deficiency, symptoms are often subtle and may go unnoticed, but more severe cases of hyponatraemia can cause clear and severe symptoms.

What are the symptoms of substandard sodiumand?

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Fatigue is one of the most common symptoms of sodium deficiency.

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Is low sodium in pregnancy dangerous?

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Low sodium, or hyponatraemia, is a condition that can be dangerous to both the mother and the developing foetus, especially when it lasts for a long period. In the mother, severe hyponatraemia can result in swelling of the brain and, in the case of prolonged deficiency, even permanent damage to the brain. Furthermore, a deficiency of this electrolyte can affect the normal development and functioning of the child's nervous systemand.

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This is why it is important to remember that every mother-to-be should have an individually tailored diet that provides her with all the necessary nutrients. What's more, regular check-ups and consultation with a doctor and dietician are also key to keeping both mother and baby healthy.

How to replenish sodium in the body?

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When sodium levels are abnormally low, supplementation should be addressed as soon as possible. Long-term deficiency can lead to serious changes in the body, so it is essential to take care of adequate levels of this nutrient in the body. How to replenish sodium in the body?

Drinking electrolyte fluids

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Drinking fluids containing electrolytes, such as isotonic sports drinks, can help replenish sodium deficiencies. These drinks are usually formulated to provide the right proportions of electrolytes (sodium, potassium or magnesium), which can help maintain normal sodium concentrations in the body.

Salt-rich diet

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Cooking salt, or sodium chloride, is one of the easiest ways to supplement sodium. Introducing foods high in it, such as beef, pork, cheeses (especially halloumi), green olives, rye bread, sauerkraut and cucumbers, as well as just sprinkling salt on food, can help to supplement sodium deficiency.

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Sodium-containing supplements

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In cases where low sodium levels are caused by certain health conditions, your doctor may recommend sodium-containing supplements (e.g. in tablets). Such supplements can help to control sodium levels in the body and prevent the potentially dangerous effects of hyponatraemia.

Consultation with a nutritionist

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If you are having difficulty supplementing sodium with your diet, it is a good idea to consult a nutritionist. A professional will help you create a personalised dietary plan that takes into account your health, lifestyle and dietary preferences, and will therefore help you to properly supplement sodium.

Improved sodium in the body

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An increased concentration of sodium (hypernatremia) in the body, known as hypernatremia, can result from a number of reasons, including an unhealthy diet, medical conditions or inadequate water intake. What are the most common reasons for elevated sodium in the bodyand?

• Unhealthy diet. Excessive sodium intake, most commonly associated with processed and fast food, can lead to elevated sodium levels in the body. Excess of this element usually causes water retention in the body, which also leads to increased blood pressure.
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• Dehydration. Dehydration results in increased sodium concentrations in the blood, as the amount of water in the body decreases while the amount of sodium remains the same.
• Disease conditions. Some diseases, such as diabetes or selected kidney conditions, can cause a number of disorders, including excess sodium. In these disease states, the kidneys are unable to effectively remove adequate amounts of sodium from the body.
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• Medications. Some agents, especially diuretics (diuretics), can increase the concentration of sodium in the body. These drugs increase the excretion of water from the body, which can potentiate the effect of dehydration.

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What are the symptoms of excess sodium in the body?

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Overabundance of sodium manifests with numerous symptoms mainly related to water disorders. Symptoms can be subtle, but at the same time lead to more serious ailments if the excess is not reduced in time.

Decreased urine volume

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Too much sodium can lead to dehydration, which in turn can result in less urine excretion. In addition, the urine may be darker, which is a classic symptom of dehydration. Reduced urine excretion is the body's protection against further water lossand.

Thirst sensation

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Excess sodium in the body leads to a destabilisation of the fluid balance, resulting in a strong feeling of thirst. This is the body's natural response to dehydration - the body tries to 'encourage you' to drink and restore the sodium balanceand.

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Oedema and high blood pressure

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Prolonged excess sodium can lead to water retention and oedema, especially around the feet and ankles. What's more, too high levels of this element can also increase blood pressure as it causes the body to retain more water, increasing blood volumeand.

Bad feeling

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Other symptoms of excess sodium may include feelings of weakness, headaches, fatigue and, in extreme cases, vomiting, convulsions and unconsciousness. These much more serious symptoms are usually the result of prolonged or very severe hypernatraemiaand.

Mental distress

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Excess sodium can also lead to changes in mental status. Symptoms include disorientation, concentration problems, hallucinations, irritability and even coma. The occurrence of these symptoms usually indicates severe hypernatraemia and requires immediate medical interventionand.

Respiratory distress

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In extreme cases, hypernatraemia will result in breathing difficulties. Such conditions require unreserved medical attention as they can be life-threateningand.

How to reduce sodium levels in the body

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Reducing sodium levels in the body should start with a change in diet. Try to eat fewer sodium-rich foods such as processed foods, fast food and salty snacks. Instead, choose fresh fruit, vegetables and low sodium proteins (e.g. fresh oily fish, poultry, legumes) that help maintain a healthy balance of minerals in the body.

Drinking more water can also help dilute sodium in the blood and facilitate its elimination by the kidneys. However, it is important not to overdo the amount of fluids, as this can lead to dangerously low sodium levels.

Do not overdo it.

Remember also, that in some cases, elevated sodium levels can be the result of other health problems or medications being taken. This is common with kidney disease or diuretics. In these situations, consultation with a doctor and medical intervention may be necessary.

What sodium is in - food products

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Let's make one thing clear at the outset - you need small amounts of sodium for your body to function properly. Most of us even consume too much of it, so you should be careful with sodium-rich products. 

People in the US, for example, consume an average of about 3,400 mg of sodium per day, which is more than twice the minimum daily portion for Poles.

Interestingly, more than 40% of the sodium you consume each day comes from just a few foods. Whatand?

• Cooking salt.
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• Smoked foods.
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• Conserves.
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• Bread.
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• Beef, pork, offal.
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• Cured meats.
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• Canned vegetables.
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• Soups.
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• Snacks (crisps, crackers, breadsticks).
• Snacks.
• Cheeses.
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• Eggs.
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What foods are rich in sodium and potassium?

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Sodium and potassium are two important electrolytes that most people easily supply themselves with their diet. You already know which foods will provide you with sodium. But which are rich in potassiumand?

• Dry soya.
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• Cocoa.
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• Dried beans.
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• Dried apricots.
• Dried apricots.
• Pumpkin seeds.
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• Pistachios.
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• Avocados.
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• Potatoes.
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• Atlantic salmon.
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Serum sodium - testing

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Serum sodium testing is carried out to detect a possible excess or deficiency of this element in the body. It can be carried out on an empty stomach or after a meal - depending on your doctor's instructions. On the day before the test, you should not eat fatty or heavy meals or drink alcohol.

What are the indications for a serum sodium test?

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Most often it is the doctor who decides whether to carry out a sodium test. Few people decide to take this step themselves. What health conditions might prompt a specialist to order a serum sodium test?"

• Diabetes
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• Cardiac or renal insufficiency.
• Diabetes.
• Oedematous syndromes.
• Diabetes.
• Hepatic cirrhosis or disease thyroid disease.
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• Increased blood pressure.
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• Hyperventilation-related diseases.
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Sodium - standard

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The exact blood sodium standard may vary depending on the laboratory. However, it will most likely fluctuate between 135 and 145 mmol/l. Any values outside this range should prompt you to visit your doctor for a check-upand.

What is the price of a blood sodium test?

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The price of a sodium test depends on the laboratory. Most often, however, it ranges from a few to several zlotys. This test is also reimbursed by the National Health Fund. Therefore, if you have a referral from your doctor, you can count on checking the sodium level in your body for free.

See also:

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• Vitamin B12 - properties
• Vitamin D3 - effects
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• Vitamin A - functions in the body
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• Vitamin B1 - properties
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• Vitamin E - effects
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• Pantothenic acid - what it is
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• Folic acid (vitamin B9) - properties
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• Vitamin B3 - effects
• Vitamin K - where it occurs
• Vitamin B6 - what it is
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• Vitamin C - properties
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Summary

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