Sodium content in the human body. Sodium (Na) is the main regulator of water balance in the body

Sodium is a very important mineral for our body, where it is involved in many processes. However, despite sodium's vital importance, it can be easily overused.

Sodium - functions and values ​​in the blood

Sodium is mineral, widespread in nature: river and sea ​​water, in the earth, in stones - this element is also present in all organisms: animals and plants.

In fact, sodium plays important role in our body, as it performs several vital functions:

• He is responsible for the transfer nerve impulse , i.e. participates in communications between cells nervous system and allows muscles to contract. The positive charge of sodium is used to create a potential difference between the outside and inside of the cell, which is important for the transmission of impulses and muscle contractions.
• Together with potassium it regulates water-salt balance body. Sodium at the kidney level promotes the reabsorption of water and mineral salts from the filtrate. Antagonizes the effect of potassium, thereby preventing excessive water loss. Therefore, the balance of sodium and potassium is important to maintain a constant blood volume: if you drink little, it is necessary for sodium to retain water, and, conversely, if you drink a lot of water, blood volume does not increase, since excess water is excreted through urine.

• Has important structural functions . In bones, teeth, cartilage, sodium takes part in the formation of cellular structures and proteins.

Sodium concentration in human blood plasma should be at the level 140 mEq/l.

Beneficial and harmful properties of sodium

Sodium has great value for the proper functioning of our body, however, due to abuse, it can cause harmful effects.

In fact, in appropriate amounts, sodium provides significant benefits:

• Helps in treating rheumatic pain. Soda baths for areas of the body affected by rheumatism are a well-known “grandmother’s” treatment, but have scientific basis. In fact, sodium bicarbonate ( baking soda), used topically, can temporarily neutralize the formation of acids such as arachidonic acid involved in the process of triggering inflammation and pain.
• Promotes muscle recovery. After physical exercise and, especially after intense sweating, there is a massive loss of minerals, including sodium, which can cause changes in contractions, creating muscle cramps and pain. In order to recover, it is enough to eat a small amount of sausage or cheese.

On the other hand, despite its beneficial effects on some organs, especially under certain pathological conditions, sodium can pose a threat:

• In case of diabetes. The reabsorption of glucose from the filtrate is regulated by a special transporter, which works by connecting glucose molecules, on the one hand, and one sodium ion, on the other. The presence of sodium is therefore Facilitates glucose reuptake and, consequently, its amount in the bloodstream increases, exacerbating the hyperglycemia already present in patients with diabetes.
• For heart. Sodium via water retention increases blood volume and therefore blood pressure, which affects the walls of the arteries, a condition known as hypertension, which wears out the heart. It is no coincidence that people with hypertension the risk of cardiac arrest is much increased compared to normal subjects.

When is there too much sodium and when is there not enough?

Sodium concentration in our body is maintained at a constant level by several hormones: aldosterone and angiotensin, which promote the return of sodium from the filtrate, and vasopressin, which increases sodium excretion in urine.

The daily sodium requirement is about 0.5-2 g, an amount typically obtained from food alone. Therefore, there is no need to add salt to prepared dishes. Bad eating habits associated with the use of salt, abuse of salty foods can lead to excess sodium in the body, i.e. hypernatremia, the consequences of which are:

• Hypertension. Sodium in the body increases blood volume, which leads to increased pressure in blood vessels, which is fundamental for the development of cardiovascular diseases.
• Cellulite. Sodium aggravates the problem of cellulite, as it increases the stagnation of fluids in the tissues.

Although the issue of excess sodium is more pressing nowadays, it should not be underestimated risks associated with shortages this mineral.

The most common reason hyponatremia are: overuse water with low content sodium, excessive loss of fluid as a result of vomiting and diarrhea, diseases of the adrenal glands that alter the production of aldosterone, which regulates the concentration of sodium in the blood.

Hyponatremia manifests itself with very serious symptoms:

• Arterial hypotension. A deficiency of sodium in the blood leads to decreased blood volume and decreased blood pressure. Blood flows slowly, which in turn causes fatigue and weakness because the tissues do not receive enough oxygen and nutrients.
• Neurological deficits. Sodium plays an important (decisive) role in the transmission of impulses between cells of the nervous system and muscles. Its deficiency can cause changes in the activity of the central nervous system, resulting in nausea, vomiting, epilepsy, hallucinations, and muscle dysfunction.

Where to find – foods rich in sodium

Sodium can be found not only in table salt; to one degree or another, it is present in any food, even in vegetables and fruits.

Most sodium rich foods, for which salt is added during production or packaging:

• sausages and any processed meat (sausages, sausages, sausages). The same goes for cheeses, the production of which requires the addition of salt;
• Certainly, salted seafood(molluscs, crustaceans and fish);
• sodium is used as a preservative in canned foods and ready meals, as well as in snacks, cookies;
• some mineral water have a high sodium content.

What do doctors call these disorders?

Hyponatremia, hypernatremia.

What are these violations?

A deficiency of sodium in the blood is called hyponatremia, an excess is called hypernatremia. The sodium content in the blood affects metabolic processes, maintaining acid-base balance, functioning of the nervous, muscular, endocrine systems and water exchange.

Although daily requirement human sodium is only 2-4 g, Americans consume 6-10 g daily; the excess of which is excreted through the kidneys and skin.

What are the causes of sodium deficiency?

Sodium deficiency develops when:

diet with limited salt or abuse of diuretics;

MORE ABOUT THE DISEASE

How does sodium imbalance affect the body?

System Sodium deficiency Excess sodium

RespiratoryIn case of severe deficiency - bluish skin Dyspnoea, respiratory arrest and death

Digestive Nausea, vomiting and abdominal cramps Rough, dry tongue and extreme thirst

Cardiovascular Low blood pressure, rapid heartbeat, vascular collapse and thread pulse High blood pressure, rapid heartbeat, swelling and excess body weight

Nervous Anxious state, headaches, muscle twitching, weakness, cramps Fever, excitability, restlessness and seizures

LeatherCold, clammy skin and decreased skin elasticity Reddened skin and dry, sticky mucous membranes

UrinaryDecreased urination and cessation of urination Decreased urination

continuous vomiting, aspiration or profuse diarrhea;

excessive sweating or high temperature;

using enemas with diuretics or tap water;

excessive water consumption, poor nutrition or fasting, salt restriction (usually for a combination of several reasons);

injuries, surgical operations(wound drainage) and burns; in these cases, sodium goes into damaged cells;

dysfunction of the adrenal glands and cirrhosis of the liver.

excessive release of antidiuretic hormone and, as a result, imbalance of fluids and electrolytes, including sodium deficiency; the underlying cause may be a brain tumor, stroke, lung disease or tumors.

What are the causes of excess sodium?

Excess sodium can be caused by:

insufficient water intake (when constant vomiting and profuse diarrhea lead to water loss);

excess adrenal hormones (for example, with Cushing's syndrome);

diabetes;

salt poisoning (rare) or excessive consumption of table salt.

What are the symptoms of the disorders?

Sodium imbalance has very serious consequences; it can lead to severe abnormalities in the functioning of the nervous and digestive systems, hearts and blood vessels. Thus, sodium deficiency can lead to kidney dysfunction. With a sharp and severe decrease in sodium content in the blood, seizures may develop. Excess sodium can cause fluid accumulation in the lungs, poor circulation, and decreased ability to navigate the environment (see HOW SODIUM IMBALANCE AFFECTS THE BODY).

How are hyponatremia and hypernatremia diagnosed?

To determine whether there is too much or little sodium in your blood, your doctor will order blood tests. However, to determine the cause of the deviation in sodium levels from the norm or to identify another disease that leads to this violation, additional laboratory tests are needed.

How is sodium deficiency treated?

For mild sodium deficiency, it is recommended to limit water intake. If this doesn't help, you may be prescribed medications to help promote fluid secretion.

How is excess sodium treated?

If there is excess sodium in the blood, intravenous infusions of a salt-free solution are given; You may then be given sodium chloride to prevent deficiency. It is recommended to follow a salt-restricted diet and stop taking medications that help retain sodium in the blood.

Although sodium is not classified as an organogenic chemical elements, its importance for the human body is very great. Sodium metal is a powerful reducing agent and has high chemical activity. Inside the human body, the ionic form of the metal predominates, which is responsible for the most important function - maintaining acid-base balance, osmotic pressure and constant blood pH level. Let’s consider what other functions a macroelement performs in the body, and what the dangers of its deficiency and excess are. The article will also talk about recommended nutrient intake rates, methods of replenishing the deficiency, and the compatibility of the mineral with other substances.

The role and importance of sodium for the human body

The human body contains 0.15% sodium; with a weight of 70 kg, its amount reaches approximately 100 g. Most of the mineral is found in intercellular fluids(50%), about 10% are in cells and 40% are located in the depot - bone tissue.

In the body, the functions of sodium are inextricably linked with the activity of its brother potassium:

• Maintaining a constant blood buffer system. Responsible for neutralizing acids from food, normalizing the pH level of the blood;
• Performs a transport function, carrying through cell membranes amino acids, anions of organic and inorganic nature and the most important source of energy - glucose. Responsible for equalizing osmotic pressure, protecting cells from rupture of membranes and loss of turgor;
• Has a hypotensive effect by dilating blood vessels;
• Creates conditions for the formation membrane potential, providing signal transmission to nerve and muscle cells executive bodies. This important function necessary for rhythmic contraction of the myocardium;
• Promotes transfer carbon dioxide from all body tissues to the lungs;
• Participates in synthesis gastric juice, which protects us from the invasion of pathogenic microorganisms;
• Participates in protein metabolism, is responsible for the hydration of proteins;
• Sodium is needed for activation digestive enzymes(enzymes);
• Regulates the balance of fluids, prevents the risk of dehydration of the body.

The sodium-potassium pump, a special transport enzyme adenosine triphosphatase, is responsible for the circulation of sodium from the cell cytoplasm into the intercellular space. Nutrient absorption occurs throughout the entire gastrointestinal tract. Through the villi of the epithelium, ions penetrate into the intercellular space, carrying with them water and dissolved nutrients. Metal ions are able to penetrate into the blood through the pulmonary epithelium and epidermis. The movement of ions in the intercellular space is facilitated by the adrenal hormone aldosterone.

Up to 90% of excretion (removal) is due to the work of the kidneys, the remaining amount leaves the body with feces and secretions sweat glands. The process of sodium metabolism is regulated by the thyroid gland. Hypofunction of this organ leads to retention of metal ions in the cells, and increased secretion increases sodium excretion. Also responsible for the excretion of the macroelement is the hypothalamic hormone vasopressin, which accelerates the excretion of the mineral in the urine. The balance between the amount of mineral supplied and released tends to zero.

Symptoms of macronutrient deficiency and excess

In the human body, each biologically significant element must be present in a certain quantity. Even a small imbalance, which cannot always be determined by indirect signs, can cause irreparable harm to health.

Methods for determining the amount of sodium ions in blood and urine

It should be noted that sodium has high biochemical activity. After absorption, the salts of this element dissociate to Na+ ions. On the ionic form of the mineral in human body accounts for 85%, the remaining 15% consists of various protein compounds. The ionized form of sodium does the above biological functions, is active. The normal level of its content in the blood plasma of an adult is from 130 to 150 mmol/l, in children – 130-145 mmol/l. Indications for determining the concentration of Na+ ions are diseases of various body systems and dehydration.

When collecting material for analysis, a number of requirements must be met:

• The sample is taken in the morning before eating;
• Most reliable result it turns out if the patient has not yet gotten up (minimal muscle tissue tension);
• The tourniquet or cuff should exert minimal (over time) pressure on the vein;
• The first portion of the sample with a volume of 0.5-1.0 ml is discarded;
• The sampling is carried out in centrifuge tubes with the addition of heparin;
• It is necessary to quickly separate blood cells from plasma, optimal time 30-60 minutes;
• Do not store the sample in the refrigerator.

Determination of the analysis results is carried out using the methods of plasma photometry, colorimetry, and ionometry. Photometric analysis of a sample involves examining the wavelength of an atom using a plasma photometer. Colorimetric testing is based on the reaction of sodium with potassium uranyl acetate, the result is examined using a colorimeter. Ionometric research involves measuring the interelectrode potential using ion-selective electrodes. Ionometry is more often used in practice, because it allows one to determine the amount of ionized form of sodium in the blood.

A daily portion of urine is also suitable as a test sample. The ionometric method is also applicable to it. For adults, the norm is 120-220 mmol/day, for infants up to six months 0-10, for children up to 12 months 10-30, for children 1-7 years old 20-60, for children over seven years old 50-120.

Adjustments should be made if the patient is taking diuretics (Na+ levels decrease), corticosteroid hormones, oral hormonal contraceptives, tetracycline, aldosterone antagonists (Na+ levels increase).

Sodium deficiency - causes, symptoms

With the right balanced diet Nutrient deficiency is extremely rare. It is customary to distinguish absolute hyponatremia associated with disorders of the glands internal secretion, and relative (temporary) lack of macronutrients.

Let's take a closer look at the reasons that contribute to the development of sodium deficiency:

• Eating too much large quantities water, up to water intoxication. Water increases plasma volume, reducing the concentration of sodium ions (law of dilution);
• Long-term salt-free diet medicinal purposes for pathologies of cardio-vascular system;
• A decrease in the concentration of the mineral due to disturbances in the gastrointestinal tract. Severe vomiting And prolonged diarrhea lead to dehydration;
• Increased sweating associated with living in a hot climate, working in a hot shop;
• Loss of mineral along with blood during wounds or extensive burns;
• Renal failure (acute or chronic), polyuria;
• Taking diuretics;
• Addison's disease (hypocorticism - reduced function of the adrenal cortex);
• Accumulation of fluids – ascites, pleurisy;
• Hypofunction of the pancreas, hypoglycemia;
• Heart failure;
• Kidney stones;
• Violation of potassium and calcium metabolism (increase in their concentration);
• Cirrhosis of the liver.

For some time, our body can replenish the insufficient amount of sodium by taking ions from the depot - bone and muscle tissue. With a systematic deficiency, the following pathologies develop:

• Loss of appetite, weight loss, increased flatulence, dehydration;
• Tachycardia, hypotension, peripheral vasoconstriction (narrowing of the lumen of blood vessels);
• Convulsions, mental disorders, depression, apathy;
• Intensive breakdown of proteins, increased levels of residual nitrogen;
• Loss of skin turgor, appearance of rashes, hair loss.

If the body is for a short time loses 500 mmol of sodium, pathologies of the circulatory system develop; with a sharp loss of up to 1500 mmol of the macroelement, death. For treatment, infusions of saline are used, the amount of fluid consumed is limited, and medications are taken to maintain ionic balance.

Symptoms and causes of hypernatremia

Hypernatremia is also divided into relative and absolute. Relative develops among lovers of salty foods or due to rapid loss of water through gastrointestinal tract(with vomiting, diarrhea), skin(at increased sweating) kidneys. Also, the cause of relative hypernatremia can be insufficient water intake.

The causes of absolute hypernatremia are various disorders sodium metabolism:

• Itsenko-Cushing syndrome;
• Diabetes;
• Pathologies of the adrenal glands, tumor processes leading to hyperfunction of the adrenal cortex (excessive production of aldosterone);
• Intravenous administration large doses physiological solution;
• Kidney pathologies leading to difficulty in excreting macronutrients in the urine (renal failure);
• Heart failure.

Due to mineral retention, swelling of the upper and lower extremities and face often appears. The person feels thirsty, body temperature rises, arterial pressure, becomes more frequent heartbeat. There is an increased excretion of potassium in the urine, adrenal dysfunction, osteoporosis, and accumulation of fluids in the tissues develop. Increased excitability, aggression, and neuroses were noted on the part of the nervous system.

If hypernatremia is detected, a salt-free diet is prescribed. Measures to eliminate the problem are aimed at treating pathologies that cause the accumulation of sodium in the body.

Dietary sodium sources, macronutrient availability, cooking losses

The degree of absorption of sodium compounds tends to 100%, and since it is not synthesized in the body, a daily supply from the outside is necessary. The main source of the mineral is sodium chloride, known to us as salt . All products prepared with the addition of sodium salts (chloride, benzoate, carbonate, glutamate, etc.) also saturate the body with the necessary amount of nutrients. This includes various pickles, sauces, marinades, sauerkraut, sausages, various snacks, and cheeses.

Almost all products contain the mineral; its amount reaches 15-80 mg (per 100 g). Beets, carrots, turnips, artichokes, tomatoes, seafood, offal, and seaweed will help replenish the supply of nutrients. The absorption of sodium from products of plant and animal origin is facilitated by vitamins D and K. During heat treatment, 20-60% of the nutrient is lost. Vegetables should be eaten raw and the menu should be supplemented salty cheeses, herring.

Mineral consumption standards for different categories of people

The daily sodium intake is 4-6 g. Salt intake - to replenish sodium in the body, you must do not exceed 5-6 g per day (this is a doctor's recommendation). Although the statistics of real salt consumption in Russia are completely different. She says that on average everyone uses 10-12 g, and some up to 15 g. You can also find erroneous acceptable standards salt which indicate as much as 10 - 15 g. This is incorrect data. Sodium is very important element for our body, but its excess leads to very serious and dangerous diseases such as: kidney diseases, joint diseases, vascular diseases.

At normal function kidneys, the maximum amount of salt that can be processed by them is only about 20 g. Exceeding this amount is life-threatening.

Sodium during pregnancy, for children

Sodium provokes edema and increased blood pressure, which adversely affects the health of the mother and fetus. During pregnancy, it is recommended to limit the amount of the nutrient; you should not use more than three grams of table salt per day. For child's body the macroelement is also harmful because it causes “overload” of the kidneys, disorders of the nervous system - increased excitability, nervousness, aggression.

Sodium in medicines

The most important drug for eliminating sodium deficiency in the body is saline solution. If the water-salt balance is disturbed, it is administered intravenously. Therapy is continued until the concentration of the macroelement in the blood normalizes.

It is also worth noting the salt reduced content sodium, the composition of which is enriched with potassium and magnesium. In taste and appearance it does not differ from regular salt, which helps overcome cravings for salty foods. Contraindicated for persons with impaired potassium metabolism.

Compatibility of the nutrient with other elements

Vitamins D and K contribute to better absorption of sodium. Excessive amounts of potassium and chloride ions interfere with the absorption of the nutrient. If the diet contains an excess of the mineral, a decrease in calcium and magnesium concentrations is observed. Diuretics, caffeine and corticosteroids contribute to the leaching of macronutrients.

Sodium protects our body from loss life-giving moisture, but if it is in excess, the opposite effect is observed. Deficiency and excess of this mineral are equally dangerous to health, so your diet should be properly designed to ensure normal functioning body.

Sodium is a soft metal white with a silver tint, oxidizes very quickly in air. It occurs in nature in the form of various compounds, some of them, for example, NaHCO3 (soda) and NaCl (table salt), have been known to man for thousands of years and are used by him for various purposes.

Biological role and sodium requirement

Sodium is in everyone human organ, because it, together with potassium, is an extremely necessary element for our body. Potassium and sodium are designed to regulate the volume of fluid in our body and ideally are in a certain proportion to each other.

We typically obtain sodium from eating salt, which daily dose for the average person it is equal to approximately a level teaspoon (and even a little less) of this product. However, sodium is also found in some vegetables (carrots, tomatoes, artichokes, beets, celery, legumes), offal (animal brains, kidneys), seafood (crab meat, oysters, seaweed), as well as in milk and cottage cheese.

Unfortunately, we are so passionate about salty foods (and this includes not only well-known “harmful” foods such as chips, salted nuts, popcorn, some canned food, but also cheeses, homemade preparations, and also products that contain widely used nutritional supplements based on sodium (preservatives, leavening agents, etc.), that doctors very often encounter excess sodium in the body, but cases when a person lacks this element are extremely rare.

However, we will talk about the balance of sodium levels in the human body a little later, but now we will dwell in more detail on daily norm consumption of this important metal for us. Above, as a guideline in this regard, an incomplete teaspoon (20 g) of table salt was mentioned and it was said that we manage to consume this product per day even in excess of the specified amount. However, if you are not in an air-conditioned office all day, shuffling papers and clicking your fingers on the keyboard, but unloading cars under the scorching sun or trying to set another sports record (of course, we are not talking about chess), then you lose sodium along with sweat Therefore, your need for it increases in proportion to the increase in the extremeness of your existence. Your body will require more sodium even if you are addicted to diuretic teas without consulting your doctor - this useful element is also excreted along with your urine.

Sodium is partially absorbed immediately after entering the stomach, but most of it still reaches us through small intestine. After sodium enters the body, it begins to participate in metabolic processes, acting as a positively charged ion in extracellular fluid. Sodium is responsible for the movement of water, maintains normal osmotic pressure, together with potassium and chlorine, creates a special electrolytic environment through which electrical impulses are transmitted, causing the muscles of the body to contract.

Thanks to sodium, the effect of the hormone adrenaline is enhanced and the formation in the stomach is accelerated. of hydrochloric acid and digestion improves, in addition, it is sodium that allows glucose, the main source of energy for humans, to freely enter the cells of our body.

Sodium is designed to retain moisture in order to prevent dehydration, but if the balance between its amount and the amount of potassium, which has slightly different goals, is upset, the result is very predictable: a person’s blood pressure rises and edema appears. Therefore, even healthy person it is necessary to ensure that the amount of salt consumed (as the main source of sodium) in no case exceeds the limits allowed by nutritionists and doctors. You need to be especially careful if potassium is removed from the body for some reason.

Symptoms of sodium overdose and deficiency

It is worth saying that excess sodium entails not only an oversaturation of body tissues with fluid, but also a change in human behavior: he becomes overly active, irritable and constantly wants to drink, while the consumed moisture does not bring relief, but only aggravates the patient’s situation.

A lot of sodium can accumulate in the human body in the case of certain diseases, the list of which includes: diabetes, high blood pressure, kidney and adrenal problems.

Some of the above-mentioned ailments can be quite successfully combated by completely eliminating table salt from your diet (the so-called “salt-free diet”); the absence of this product will also have a positive effect on people with cardiovascular insufficiency.

As for sodium deficiency (which, as mentioned earlier, does not occur too often in our time), the main losses that require replenishment occur in cases of extreme heat, poisoning and other situations accompanied by partial dehydration of the body. Sometimes this problem arises due to excessive enthusiasm for diets with a low salt content or with a certain way of eating (for example, true raw foodists do not flavor their food with salt, enjoying the real taste of the products, but this state of affairs, as can be seen from the above, is not always beneficial for a person ).

Those who drink a lot of liquid can also face a lack of sodium (or rather, insufficient concentration in the body): with an abundance of moisture, sodium seems to dissolve in it and the person experiences all the symptoms of a deficiency of this element, although its volume itself remains within normal limits .

By the way, our body’s reaction to sodium deficiency is usually as follows: the skin becomes dry and inelastic, periodic cramps begin in the lower limbs, nausea and vomiting, severe thirst and a drop in blood pressure are noted. The urge to urinate is rare or absent.

In addition, sodium deficiency causes persistent desire sleep, thoughts are confused, dizzy, movement coordination is lost, reactions to external stimuli, at long-term violation balance of this element, persistent memory deterioration is observed, frequent change mood, muscle weakness, loss of appetite and, as a result, weight, decreased immunity.

In general, sodium tends to accumulate in the bones, so the body has a certain “safety cushion” in the event that for some reason the metal is no longer consumed in food. However, if sodium losses are large and it is impossible to replace them, the person is on the verge of death and can die even after drinking a significant amount clean water. Therefore, the resulting sodium deficiency should never be ignored and you should never try to cope with it yourself - it will be much safer to go to the doctor as soon as possible and begin treatment according to his recommendations.

Sodium is one of the important macroelements that is involved in many processes in the human body. It maintains water-salt balance and regulates the activity of the nervous system. Lack and excess of sodium affects the functioning of many organs.

Sodium – chemical compound, which in pure form does not occur. In everyday life, this element is part of various compounds: salt, soda. The human body contains about 70-110 g of sodium.

When sodium enters the body, it is absorbed into and distributed into the pericellular fluid and cells. A small part is located in the bone and cartilaginous tissues. After absorption, this element participates in metabolic processes.

Sodium in combination with potassium and chlorine has a positive effect on the body: it helps to normalize the excitability of nerve and muscle fibers.

Sodium in the body performs the following functions:

• Prevents body dehydration.
• Maintains the necessary osmotic pressure in liquids.
• Takes part in the transport of carbon dioxide in the respiratory system.
• Helps activate enzymes of the endocrine and digestive systems.
• Normalizes neuromuscular activity.
• Participates in muscle contraction.

In addition, sodium helps maintain the activity of the cardiovascular system, has a beneficial effect on the heart muscle, and normalizes myocardial function.

The required daily dose for an adult is 2-4 g.

The norm for children depends on age.The balance of this element directly depends on the functioning. They are responsible for its quantitative content in the body. If the kidneys are healthy, then there will be no deficiency or lack of sodium in the body.

Sodium deficiency: causes and symptoms

Sodium deficiency in the body medical practice is called hyponatremia. This condition is diagnosed if the sodium content in the blood is less than 135 mmol/l.

The main reasons for the development of hyponatremia:

1. Chronic kidney diseases.
2. Use of diuretic drugs.
3. Stones in the kidneys.
4. Nephropathy.
5. Diseases (pancreatitis, fistulas, peritonitis, etc.).
6. Heart failure.

Sodium deficiency can be caused by prolonged vomiting, diarrhea, excessive blood loss, heavy sweating, violation of thermoregulation. The loss of this macroelement may occur due to burns or frostbite.

A decrease in Na may occur when administered intravenously large quantities hypotonic solution, excessive consumption water. The latter cause is usually associated with mental illness.

Subject to salt-free diet, severe hunger strike reduces the intake of sodium into the body.

Many people may have no symptoms of sodium deficiency. It depends on the severity this state. Usually, with a severe lack of Na in the body, the internal and external state of a person changes.

The following symptoms may indicate a lack of sodium in the body:

• leg cramps
• loss of appetite
• cramps in the stomach
• muscle weakness
• dizziness
• weakness
• drowsiness
• increased fatigue
• skin rashes

In addition, signs of central nervous system dysfunction may be observed, which manifest themselves in the form of impaired consciousness, increased nervous excitability etc.If Na deficiency is due to hypovolemic reasons, i.e. diseases, heart, gastrointestinal tract, then the patient’s heart rhythm is disturbed, blood pressure decreases and he is constantly tormented by thirst.If some of these symptoms are present, you should consult a doctor and undergo an examination.

Why is sodium deficiency dangerous in the body?

Once ingested, sodium accumulates in the body and can compensate for the deficiency for a while.

A decrease in sodium levels to 115 mmol/l poses a great danger to humans. Then the patient develops signs of damage to the nervous system, symptoms of renal and heart failure. At untimely treatment proteins break down, osmotic pressure decreases and the amount of nitrogen increases, as a result the body cramps and coma may occur.

If a patient's sodium deficiency is determined over a long period of time, the functions of the kidneys, digestive and cardiovascular systems are impaired.

As a result, the patient’s digestion of food deteriorates, the amount of urine decreases, and collapse is possible.

Hyponatremia is very dangerous condition, which can lead to serious consequences, so you should consult a doctor in time and undergo the appropriate tests.

What to do: treatment and nutrition

To confirm the diagnosis of hyponatremia, it is necessary to take a test. The doctor can visually examine and suggest what led to the lack of sodium in the body.

Treatment is carried out depending on the severity of the disease, which causes sodium deficiency in the body:

1. If sodium deficiency is due to hypovolemic reasons, then intravenous infusion saline solution until the symptoms of the disease completely disappear.
2. If the cause is the uncontrolled use of diuretics, then patients are prescribed potassium supplements. In addition, the patient should limit fluid intake to 1 liter. This also applies to people whose hyponatremia is asymptomatic.
3. For supporting the required level sodium in the blood serum may prescribe Demeclocycline. Then there is no need to limit fluid intake.
4. If sodium deficiency is mild, they may prescribe intravenous administration Vaprizole for 1-3 days at a rate of 20 mg/day. If necessary, it is possible to increase to 40 mg/day.

Helpful Tips:

• The body cannot produce sodium on its own and comes to us with food. The main source of sodium is table salt. One teaspoon contains about 2 g of this substance.
• Sodium is present in brines, sea ​​salt, salted meat, soy sauce, beef, cheeses, milk, eggs. This element is found in small quantities in seafood, celery, seaweed, carrots, and mineral water.
• If there is a sodium deficiency, the diet should include medium-salted herring, sheep's milk cheese, raw and semi-smoked sausages. In addition, sodium is found in sauerkraut, shrimp, canned vegetables, wheat bread.
• Sodium is found not only in animal products, but also plant origin. The absorption of this substance is best achieved through vitamin D. Protein-rich foods interfere with the normal absorption of sodium. A deficiency of potassium and chlorine in the body also prevents the entry into the body sufficient quantity sodium.

More information about hyponatremia can be found in the video:

You should know that additional sodium in a larger dosage should be taken in the following cases:

• Heavy physical activity.
• Heavy sweating.
• Taking diuretics.
• Extensive burns.

It’s easy to increase your body’s sodium intake – just add salt to your food during cooking. However this method It is not recommended to use it, since excess salt in the body is more difficult to remove.In addition, sodium in food is much more beneficial than this macronutrient contained in salt.