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