Mineral - Sodium

Sodium an essential mineral and classified as an electrolyte works in conjunction with potassium and chlorine in regulating and balancing certain processes in the body and are used by the body to maintain cell membrane potential which is critical for nerve impulse transmission, muscle contraction and cardiac function.

Sodium plays an important role in the absorption of chloride, amino acids, glucose and water.

Deficiency is less common then excess sodium, but when it does occur as with excessive sweating aid sodium losses.  Other causes of sodium deficiency include low intake, diarrhea or vomiting and general malnourishment and is usually accompanied by water loss. Symptoms include decreased blood volume, increased hematocrit (blood count), decreased blood pressure, muscle cramps, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, poor memory and impaired concentration, somnolence, and muscle weakness.  More seriously circulatory collapse and shock may occur.  Diseases such as cancer or tuberculosis may also cause sodium deficiencies.

When sodium alone is lost symptoms of water intoxication can occur these symptoms include anorexia, fatigue, apathy and muscle twitching.  With low sodium levels there is also usually poor carbohydrate metabolism.

Toxicity is most likely to occur because of the salt content of processed food.  Some people are sensitive to high levels of dietary sodium and develop hypertension from to much salt.

Excessive salt may also cause premenstrual problems and toxemia of pregnancy.

Ingestion of large amounts of salt may also lead to nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, dizziness, fainting, low blood pressure, diminished urine production, edema (swelling), hypertension, rapid heart rate, difficulty breathing, convulsion, coma and death.  In end stage renal failure (kidney failure), impaired urinary sodium excretion may lead to fluid retention, resulting in edema, high blood pressure, or congestive heart failure if salt and water intake is not restricted.

There is consistent evidence that diets high in potassium and relatively low in salt are associated with decreased risk of high blood pressure and its associated risks of cardiovascular and kidney disease.

Minerals are inorganic substances that the body needs in very small quantities. There are twenty two metallic elements in the body which make up about 4 percent of total body weight.

Minerals are found abundantly in the soil and water of the planet and eventually are taken in by the root systems of plants. Human beings obtain minerals by eating the plants or by eating the animals that eat the plants. If you eat a variety of meats and vegetables in your diet, you can usually depend on getting a sufficiency of minerals.

The minerals in the body play a part in variety of metabolic processes and contribute to the synthesis of such elements as glycogen, protein, and fats.

For the best sources of minerals please consult the USDA website.

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educational and informational purposes only.  The content is not intended to be a
substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.  Always seek
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you may have regarding a medical condition.  Never disregard professional medical
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