Sodium Deficiency

Sodium is consumed by the human body in form of sodium chloride. Sodium chloride is the chemical name for common salt. Sodium is a highly reactive, metallic and alkaline element. It is very essential for life, as it is present in the extra-cellular fluids in the body. This essential mineral is also found in bones and fluids around the cell. It is commonly found in saliva and enzymes. Sodium or 'Na' is the predominant cation in the extra cellular fluid. It works along with potassium, which is another important cation present in the intracellular fluids.

Sodium helps maintain the body water distribution and blood pressure. It also helps maintain the acid-base balance. Sodium is also needed to stimulate muscle contraction as it is the major component of nerves. Calcium and other minerals are kept in soluble form due to sodium. It also stimulates adrenal glands and helps prevent heat strokes. Sodium along with chloride and bicarbonate maintains the balance of electrically charged particles in the fluids and tissues.

Sources of Sodium
Sodium is found in the foods that we consume. The major source being the common table salt that we use as seasoning for our foods. The other sources of food are soy sauce, pickles, olives and sauerkraut. You even get salt from salty meats, fish, salted snake food, bouillon cubes, processed cheese, instant soups and noodles, etc. In the natural food groups, vegetables like dry lotus stems, leafy vegetables, pulses and legumes are foods high in sodium. It is also present in shellfish, carrots, beets, artichokes, dried beef, brains, kidney and bacon.

Uses of Sodium

• A low sodium diet that is combined with healthy weight loss diet helps reduce high blood pressure.
• It is used in the treatment of diarrhea, muscle cramps, dehydration and fever due to its property of holding water in the body tissues.
• Sodium helps in nerve transmission and muscle contraction that includes beating of the heart.
• It maintains a balance of positive and negative ions in the body fluid and tissues.

What is Hyponatremia?
Hyponatremia is a medical term used for sodium deficiency. When the body's balance of electrolytes becomes unstable, it means the person is suffering from hyponatremia. This situation arises if there is too much fluid in the body that leads to dilution of the sodium or if the sodium levels are too low in the body. Excessive diarrhea or vomiting also lead to deficiency of sodium in the body. Edema or excessive fluid build-up also cause hyponatremia. Heavy perspiration that leads to reduction of body fluids along with sodium that hampers normal body functions is also termed as a cause of hyponatremia.

Symptoms of Sodium Deficiency
The symptoms include feelings of weakness, apathy, nausea and cramps in the muscles of the extremities. The deficiency, in very rare cases, may lead to shock due to extremely low blood pressure. The other symptoms are neurological, such as confusion, loss of reflexive movement, convulsions or even coma.

Treatment of Sodium Deficiency
The deficiency treatment includes intravenous saline, water restriction and administration of diuretics. The person suffering from deficiency is monitored, as rapid stabilization may lead to heart failure. Sodium deficiency is commonly seen in marathon runners or distance athletes. As they keep drinking water while running, their body level of fluids increase leading to dilution of sodium. This condition is also called water intoxication. Thus, they are advised to drink sports drinks, sports gels or other electrolyte replacement supplements.

Daily Requirement of Sodium
According to the National Academy of Sciences, the estimated minimum requirement of sodium for healthy persons ranges from 120mg/day for infants to 500 mg/day for adults and children over the age of 10 years. The deficiency is very rare and the minimum intake of sodium chloride or NaCl is 5-10 grams. An average person consumes 8-10 grams of NaCl or even more.

Therefore, sodium deficiency is a rare disease that affects a person in extreme cases or conditions only. One should follow a healthy diet and consume healthy foods and healthy drinks to avoid any form of deficiency related illnesses.