Sodium: Roles, Normal and Abnormal Values, and Balancing This Mineral in the Body

Minerals are some of the basic components of the human body. With important roles in cell structure and the performance of many metabolic functions, they must be present in optimal amounts in the body. One of these elements is sodium, if we refer to its chemical name.

Sodium has several rather important roles in the body, but it functions best alongside other elements. It must have certain values for us to “function” correctly. When imbalances occur, however, they can increase or decrease, requiring certain tests to determine them. Correcting sodium deficiencies or excesses can be done through various methods, with diet being the simplest.

In the article below, we will learn about the functions of sodium in the body and why it is so important. We will also discover what deficiency or excess can mean, how to determine its normal value in the body, and how to correct it. Additionally, we will provide information related to a balanced diet, as well as some recommendations from doctors to feel good.

Sodium – its roles in the body

What is sodium? It is one of the essential minerals for us. Its main role is to ensure the body’s functionality. Therefore, it is found in a very large proportion in the human body. More precisely, an adult person has 92 grams of sodium in their blood. This is distributed as follows:

• 40% of it is found in extracellular fluid;
• the remaining 60% is found in bone, connective, and cartilaginous tissues.

It has several functions in the body, one of the most important being to regulate fluid levels in the body.

Sodium’s roles in the body

Besides balancing our body fluids, sodium:

• also regulates the acid-base balance of the body;
• helps transport fluids and nutrients to and from cells;
• along with potassium, balances nerve stimulation and muscle contraction;
• contributes to regulating blood pH.

The balance of sodium in the body is maintained by the kidneys. Specifically, they eliminate the surplus when needed. Therefore, when we have urinary tract infections, for example, the level of this mineral is very important.

Fortunately, urinary tract infections, when detected early, can be eliminated naturally with the help of cranberry-based supplements. One such supplement is Cranberry Forte and D-mannose tablets, which supports proper kidney function. It can also be used to prevent, not just treat, urinary tract infections. Cranberry is a medicinal plant also known as green insulin, due to its complex composition. The fruits are rich in several vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that give it anti-inflammatory properties.

[cta_produs style=”style_1″ product=”129809″ image=”https://aronia-charlottenburg.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/1.-Sodiul-rolurile-sale-in-organism.jpg”]

Sodium is one of the most important minerals for our body, being involved in vital processes. Therefore, its levels must fall within well-established parameters. These are determined through a blood test called serum sodium. Depending on the results, we can find out if we have a normal concentration, a deficiency, or an excess in the body.

Serum sodium – how to interpret these test results

The primary way to assimilate sodium is through diet. We probably already know that salt is one of the most accessible sources of this mineral. Its maximum recommended daily intake is 200 milligrams. Excess is filtered by the kidneys, from where it reaches the urine, from where it is eliminated from the body.

How the body maintains normal sodium levels

Our body is designed to maintain normal sodium levels through several mechanisms. These are:

• vasopressin secretion, which is an antidiuretic hormone that stops the complete elimination of sodium from the body;
• thirst, so when sodium levels are too low, we feel the need to drink water;
• natriuretic peptide secretion, which are hormones that help eliminate sodium through urine when it is in excess;
• aldosterone secretion, a hormone that reduces sodium elimination through urine.

Despite all these mechanisms, however, due to consuming too many high-salt foods, the body can suffer imbalances more often. To know if sodium levels are normal, we need to refer to a test that measures serum sodium.

Serum sodium test

Serum sodium is a test that measures its dosage in the body. It is performed through a blood test that monitors conditions related to:

• body fluid balance;
• electrolyte levels in the body;
• body acidity.

In addition to serum sodium, the level of this mineral can also be measured through a test called an electrolyte panel and performed on a urine sample. However, this is recommended when there is already a condition of the:

• kidneys;
• adrenal gland which regulates the release of the hormone aldosterone.

It should be noted that normal sodium values in the body are established based on age. This criterion is also used to determine if there is a deficiency or excess.

Serum sodium – normal values

Sodium concentration in the blood is measured in millimoles per liter (mmol/L). Its normal values are established based on age criteria, as follows:

• in children under one year of age, normal values are between 139 and 149 mmol/L;
• in children and adolescents between 1 and 18 years of age, normal blood sodium values are between 138 and 145 mmol/L;
• in adults over 18 years of age, normal blood sodium concentration is 136 – 145 mmol/L.

As we can see, the lower and upper limits are almost the same for all age groups. Therefore, sodium deficiency or excess in the body can have adverse effects on both children and adults.

Low serum sodium in the body

Sodium deficiency in the body, also called hyponatremia, from the chemical symbol NA, is recorded when its value drops below 120 mmol/L. In such cases, various symptoms may occur, including:

• cardiovascular disorders, such as decreased blood pressure;
• nervous system imbalances;
• acid accumulation in the body.

When serum sodium levels drop below 115 mmol/L, intracranial hypertension and cerebral edema can develop. When can these symptoms occur? There are several causes that can lead to deficiencies of this mineral.

Low serum sodium and its causes

Low sodium in the blood can be caused by:

• various kidney and liver diseases, such as liver cirrhosis, Addison’s disease, lung, heart, and brain conditions, neoplasms;
• diarrhea and vomiting leading to dehydration;
• a diet low in sodium, potassium deficiency, and malnutrition;
• certain medications.

Hyponatremia can be corrected either through diet or supplements, depending on its severity. Its opposite is hypernatremia or sodium excess in the body.

Sodium excess in the body

A person is considered to have elevated serum sodium when its value is over 160 mmol/L. This can be accompanied by symptoms such as:

• headaches;
• thirst;
• nausea and vomiting;
• seizures;
• coma.

In severe cases, sodium excess in the body can lead to death. However, hypernatremia is less common than hyponatremia.

Hypernatremia is of 3 types:

• isovolemic, whose symptoms are water loss through excessive sweating or via the kidneys;
• hypervolemic, which occurs after infusions with high concentrations of sodium solutions;
• hypovolemic, when sodium excess occurs as a result of kidney failure.

Sodium excess and its causes

Elevated serum sodium can occur for the following reasons:

• diseases such as pulmonary or cardiovascular ones;
• certain infections, such as urinary tract infections;
• improper functioning of mechanisms regulating water elimination from the body;
• excessive water intake;
• certain medications.

Both sodium deficiency and excess in the body must be treated with care, with diet being one of the simplest ways. In fact, a correct diet can help avoid these problems.

Sources of sodium – where do we get our intake for this mineral

As we know, the most popular source of sodium is salt. Therefore, if we use enough of this condiment in our diet, we can say that we are providing our body with sufficient sodium intake. Let’s see what the maximum allowed amount is, especially considering that excess salt is a habit in our lives today.

Daily salt intake for a balanced diet

The amount of sodium is measured in milligrams, so for a healthy person, 2,300 mg/day is sufficient. By healthy person who can consume this dose, we mean an adult who does not suffer from heart or kidney problems. For those with high blood pressure, as well as for children and pregnant women, a dose higher than 1,500 mg/day is not recommended.

Table salt, the most commonly used condiment, is composed of 40% sodium. Thus, one teaspoon corresponds to the recommended daily requirement of 2,300 mg. Based on the same unit of measure, here’s how we determine the necessary quantity for children and adults suffering from various illnesses:

• a quarter teaspoon of salt contains 575 mg of sodium;
• half a teaspoon contains 1,150 mg of sodium;
• one third of a teaspoon contains 1,725 mg of sodium.

Salt is not the only food that contains sodium; a balanced diet is recommended by doctors.

Sodium-rich foods

Here are just a few foods that contain sodium:

• cheeses;
• eggs;
• white and red meat;
• fish;
• milk.

Most often, preserved foods contain more sodium, which is why it is not found in many plant-based sources. Therefore, we will not find this mineral in large quantities in fresh vegetables and fruits.

On the other hand, it’s good to keep in mind that our diet today is rich in processed foods, and therefore rich in sodium. Hence, it’s not surprising that some people look for low-sodium products. This need arises from a high consumption of high-salt foods, in particular. Also, a balanced diet is recommended by doctors and other nutrition specialists.

Sodium and doctor’s recommendations

According to doctors, a balanced diet is one where sodium intake is limited. What does this mean? Although it is an essential nutrient for the body, we actually need it in small amounts. High consumption can lead to quite serious conditions, including:

• hypertension;
• heart failure;
• heart attack;
• stroke.

Low-sodium foods

If we want to maintain the best possible health, among the low-sodium food sources we can find:

• milk, yogurt, kefir, and unsalted butter, as an alternative to aged cheeses;
• cereals such as oats, quinoa, brown rice, and whole-grain pasta;
• fresh chicken, pork, and beef;
• fresh fish, which is also low in sodium.

Beans, hummus, and unsalted, unroasted nuts and almonds can also be consumed in a low-sodium diet. Also, foods rich in healthy saturated fats are low in this nutrient. Among them are olive oil and avocado, avocado, and various types of seeds.

In conclusion, sodium is one of the essential minerals in the human body. Its main roles are to balance body fluids and ensure the proper functioning of the muscular system. Its levels are determined through a blood test called serum sodium. When they increase or decrease, we can suffer from hypernatremia or hyponatremia, respectively. In both cases, the consequences can be various cardiovascular or renal diseases and more. Therefore, the amount of sodium we consume is very important. It is absorbed in large proportions from table salt, but also from other foods. However, a balanced diet involves the moderate use of salt, as well as the consumption of fruits and vegetables, which are low in this element, according to doctors.

References:

https://www.nutritionsource.hsph.harvard.edu/salt-and-sodium/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8468043/

https://www.escardio.org/Journals/E-Journal-of-Cardiology-Practice/Volume-22/salt-and-hypertension-current-views

https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/salt-reduction

https://www.fda.gov/food/nutrition-education-resources-materials/sodium-your-diet

Photo credit: Shutterstock