Sodium (Salt)

Also known as: Salt, NA on the periodic table.

Sodium is essential for survival and is found in virtually all foods.

Most people need help limiting their intake of salt.

This can be done by using minimal amounts while cooking and dining.

Also, try staying away from processed foods, which often contain excessively high amounts of sodium.

For optimum health, a proper balance of sodium and potassium in necessary. Since most people consume too much salt, they typically need more potassium as well.

An imbalance between sodium and potassium can lead to heart disease. Consult with your doctor to make sure you aren’t at risk.

Home Remedies using Salt:

Benefits and Uses of Salt:

An adequate amount of sodium (less than 5,000 milligrams) is vital for good health, and helps to accomplish all of the functions that sodium assists with within your body.

Sodium is essential for regulating proper water balance as well as acidity (PH) of the blood. Stomach, nerve and muscle function all benefit from proper sodium intake.

Side Effects of Sodium:

While inadequate sodium intake is rare, it is also a problem. Deficiencies in sodium are most likely to occur in people who take diuretics for high blood pressure, especially if they adhere to low-sodium diets.

Symptoms of sodium deficiency can include:

  • Abdominal cramps
  • Anorexia
  • Confusion
  • Dehydration
  • Depression
  • Dizziness
  • Fatigue
  • Flatulence
  • Hallucinations
  • Headache
  • Heart palpitations
  • An impaired sense of taste
  • Lethargy
  • Low blood pressure
  • Memory impairment
  • Muscular weakness
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Poor coordination
  • Recurrent infections
  • Seizures
  • Weight loss

Excessive sodium intake can cause a number of problems. Consuming too much salt can cause fluid to be retained in the tissues, which can lead to hypertension (high blood pressure) and can aggravate many medical disorders.

Some of which include:

  • Congestive heart failure
  • Edema
  • High blood pressure
  • Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
  • Potassium deficiency
  • Certain forms of liver and kidney disease

Kidney Stones:

Excessive levels of sodium can increase the amount of calcium in your urine, which can lead to the development of kidney stones. High sodium intake also increases the uric acid content of urine. Avoid using too much salt!

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS):

One study found that women suffering from Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) consume 78 percent more sodium than they should. Sodium will increase fluid retention and cause more bloating and discomfort.

Tinnitus:

Research indicates that sodium slows circulation and aggravates symptoms of tinnitus. Decrease your sodium intake and feel the relief!

Blood Pressure Medications:

Studies show that a high salt diet can reduce the effectiveness of certain blood pressure medications. Those on high salt diets had higher overall systolic blood pressure compared to those on lower salt diets.