Skip to main content

SODIUM DEFICIENCY



We always talk about how sodium is bad for health and we must reduce it to prevent diseases related to it. But,

DO YOU KNOW LOW AMOUNT OF SODIUM IS ALSO HARMFUL FOR ONE’S HEALTH??

So, today let’s know about sodium deficiency and how it effects one’s health.

INTRODUCTION:

When sodium levels are low in body then it is consider as sodium deficiency or hyponatremia. Sodium is an electrolyte that plays an essential role in regulating the levels of water and other substances in the body.

The definition of a low sodium level is below 135 milliequivalents per litre (mEq/L) whereas severe hyponatremia occurs when levels drop below 125 mEq/L. Health issues arising from extremely low sodium levels may be fatal. Hence, hyponatremia is the most common electrolyte disorder that anyone can diagnose with it.

TYPES:

There are three types of hyponatremia. They are as follows:

  • Hypovolemic hyponatremia: Deficiency seen in both total body water and total body sodium exist, although proportionally more sodium than water has been lost; the sodium deficit causes hypovolemia.
  • Euvolemic hyponatremia: The total body sodium and thus extracellular fluid volume are normal or near-normal; however, total body water is increased.  Euvolemic hyponatremia may also result from excessive water intake in the presence of Addison disease, hypothyroidism.
  • Hypervolemic hyponatremia: It is characterized by a pronounced deficit of free water excretion and leads to inappropriate water retention in comparison with the sodium concentration.

CAUSES:

The causes are as follows:

  • Water pills (diuretics) and some antidepressants and pain medications can make anyone pee or sweat more. That can affect one’s sodium level.
  • Heart failure and kidney or liver disease can affect the amount of fluids in the body, and in turn, lowers sodium.
  • Severe diarrhea or vomiting can deplete your body of fluids and sodium.
  • A condition called SIADH (syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone) can lead to retain water. If thyroid hormone is too low, it can also affect sodium level.
  • Drinking too much water can dilute the amount of sodium in the blood. It usually happens when people drink too much during endurance events like marathons or triathlons, and also loses sodium through their sweat.

SYMPTOMS:

 


DIETARY GUIDELINES TO PREVENT SODIUM DEFICIENCY:

  • Eating more fresh veggies and fruits, foods high in B vitamins (like fish or eggs), mushrooms, coconut oil/coconut milk and seaweed.
  • Reducing stress, getting enough rest and sleep, and exercising.
  • Restricting processed foods, including low-quality meat products, frozen dinners, condiments, canned goods, fried or fast foods, etc. Some names that sodium goes by in these processed foods include: monosodium glutamate (MSG), sodium nitrite, sodium saccharin, baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) and sodium benzoate.
  • Choose salty snacks instead of sugary snacks throughout the day. Snack on salty nuts, salty rice cakes or other low-fat salty snacks to raise your blood sodium levels. Avoid high-fat salty snacks, such as chips, to maintain a healthy overall diet.

Musharrafa Asad

References:

o   Hypervolemic hyponatremia: Clinical significance and management—Fortune—2013—Clinical Liver Disease—Wiley Online Library. (n.d.). Retrieved April 23, 2021, from https://aasldpubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/cld.179

o   Hyponatremia Causes & Symptoms + 5 Natural Treatments—Dr. Axe. (n.d.). Retrieved April 24, 2021, from https://draxe.com/health/hyponatremia/#Prevention_Tips_5_Natural_Treatments_for_Hyponatremia

o   Hyponatremia Definition, Symptoms, Causes & Treatments. (n.d.). Retrieved April 25, 2021, from https://www.medicinenet.com/hyponatremia/article.htm#what_diets_and_treatment_guidelines_are_used_for_hyponatremia_low_blood_sodium

o   Hyponatremia: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments. (n.d.). Retrieved April 23, 2021, from https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/what-is-hyponatremia#1-4

o   Hyponatremia—Endocrine and Metabolic Disorders—MSD Manual Professional Edition. (n.d.). Retrieved April 23, 2021, from https://www.msdmanuals.com/en-in/professional/endocrine-and-metabolic-disorders/electrolyte-disorders/hyponatremia

o   Low sodium levels (hyponatremia): Symptoms and causes. (n.d.). Retrieved April 23, 2021, from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323831

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

TURMERIC: THE INDIAN SAFFRON

INTRODUCTION: Turmeric is an ancient spice that have been in used for over 2500 years in India. It was most likely first used as a dye. Turmeric is also been used as an Asian Cosmetic to impart golden glow to the complexion. There are 80 species of turmeric in India.  So, turmeric is a dried rhizome and it is also known as the "country cousin" of ginger. Popularly it is called as "The Indian Saffron". It is referred to as Indian Saffron not only because of its common usage but of its distinctive yellow color.  In vedic age, it was used for both culinary as well as religious ritual purposes. However, India has the honor of producing 80% of the world's turmeric crop. Erode, a state in Tamil Nadu is also known as the "yellow city" or "turmeric city".  BENEFITS: The most important component of turmeric is the curcumin. It is the main active ingredient. This traditional spice have a lots of medicinal properties,
Post a Comment
Read more

AVOCADO: THE BUTTER FRUIT

INTRODUCTION: Avocado, also called alligator pear, fruit of Persea americana of the family Lauraceae, a tree native to the Western Hemisphere from Mexico south to the Andean regions. Avocado fruits have greenish or yellowish flesh with a buttery consistency and a rich, nutty flavour.  An avocado's shape may vary from round to pear-shaped with a long, slender neck, and its color ranges from green to dark purple. Mashed avocado is the principal ingredient of guacamole, a characteristic sauce in Mexican cuisine. FUN FACT: ○ When the Aztecs discovered the avocado in 500 BC, they named it āhuacatl, which translates to "testicle." ○ It is likely that the texture, shape, and size of the fruit, as well as the way it grows in pairs, inspired the name of the avocado. However, after the Spanish conquerers arrived, the Aztec name was revised to "aguacate" which did not translate into "testicle." ○ People also speculate that the word "
3 comments
Read more

TUBERCULOSIS

What is tuberculosis? Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease that usually affects the lungs, though it can affect any organ in the body. It can develop when bacteria spread through droplets in the air. TB can be fatal, but in many cases, it is preventable and treatable. A person may develop TB after inhaling Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tuberculosis) bacteria. There are two types of tuberculosis are as follows:  1. TB infection (latent TB): A person can have TB bacteria in their body and never develop symptoms. In most people, the immune system can contain the bacteria so that they do not replicate and cause disease. In this case, a person will have TB infection but not active disease. 2. TB disease (active TB): The body may be unable to contain TB bacteria. This is more common when the immune system is weakened due to illness or the use of certain medications. When this happens, the bacteria can replicate and cause symptoms, resulting in active TB. People with acti
Post a Comment
Read more