home Folk remedies What does sodium do? Sodium (Na) is the main regulator of water balance in the body. Causes of sodium deficiency

What does sodium do? Sodium (Na) is the main regulator of water balance in the body. Causes of sodium deficiency

Sodium is a trace element of the extracellular space. Its role is to regulate and distribute fluid in the body, as well as maintain water and electrolyte balance.

Salt contains a lot of sodium

The growth of the body and its normal condition depend on this element. It affects the body both independently and in combination with other microelements. Most of the sodium that enters the body is absorbed in small intestine, and only a small part of it is immediately in the stomach. 50% of the microelement entering the body is concentrated in intercellular fluids, 40% - in cartilaginous and bone tissue and 10% in cells.

The main functions of sodium in the body

Participates in the development gastric juice;
Activates enzymes of the pancreas and salivary glands;
Regulates metabolic products;
Participates in ensuring membrane transport;
Normalizes water balance;
Supports acid-base balance;
Participates in maintaining the osmotic concentration of blood.

The microelement actively takes part in the functioning of metabolic processes between and within cells. Sodium in the human body is a generator of nervous and muscular system. In addition, it prevents the occurrence sunstroke and has vasodilating properties.

What foods contain sodium?

Seafood contains sodium

The human body will not function without sodium, so you need to ensure that the element is always present in the diet in sufficient quantities. To do this, it is important to know which foods are rich in the element. Almost all foods contain sodium, but the largest amount enters the body with table salt(sodium chloride).

Plant sources of sodium

Cereals – rice, buckwheat, pearl barley, millet, oatmeal;
Vegetables – carrots, beets, cabbage, tomatoes, celery;
Legumes – beans, peas;

Animal sources of sodium

By-products – brains, kidneys;
Seafood - crabs, oysters, mussels, lobsters, shrimp, octopus, crayfish, squid, seaweed;
Fish – flounder, sardine, anchovy, smelt, sturgeon, bluefish;
Dairy products – milk, cottage cheese, processed cheese;
Egg.

Also ready-to-eat foods rich in sodium are ready-made brines; sauces and broths; various canned foods; pickles and marinades; sausages; food additives – preservatives, leavening agents, flavorings; crackers, chips and other snacks.

Daily Sodium Allowances

In the body, for its normal development and growth, there must always be a minimum daily norm element. Sodium is quickly eliminated from the body, so it needs to be replenished useful substance constantly. You can get the daily requirement of the element thanks to sea or table salt. These products contain the largest amount of it.

For children

Children and adolescents – 500-1300 mg.

For women

At any age, the sodium intake rate is 550 mg;
During pregnancy – 500 mg.

For men

At any age, the norm is 550 mg.

Lack of sodium in the body

Sodium deficiency in the body is very rare. Often occurs in people following a salt-free or vegetarian diet. Also, excessive sweating and fluid consumption, large blood loss and taking diuretics can cause a temporary deficiency of the element in the body.

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Symptoms of element deficiency:

Impaired absorption of amino acids and monosaccharides;
Gas formation in the gastrointestinal tract;
Neuralgia;
Weight loss;
Muscle cramps;
Vomit;
Nausea.

Consequences of sodium deficiency

Hair loss;
Skin rashes;
Circulatory disorders;
Intestinal colic, diarrhea, weakness;
Skeletal muscle cramps;
Disorders of the central nervous system.

If symptoms of sodium deficiency appear, then to replenish it, it is enough to include foods containing sodium in your diet and drink mineral water.

Excess sodium in the body

Excess sodium occurs most often due to salt consumption of more than 20-30 grams. per day. Metabolic disorders, insufficient water content in the body, as well as foods high in the element consumed daily can cause its excess. Symptoms of excess sodium include swelling of the legs and face.

Consequences of excess sodium

Osteoporosis;
Thirst;
Formation of kidney stones;
Violations excretory system kidney;
Adrenal dysfunction;
Increased nervousness, excitability, fatigue;
Increased excretion of potassium;
Hypertonic disease;
Arterial hypertension.

Diseases can occur because the kidneys cannot cope with processing large quantity sodium All this leads to tense and hard work kidneys and heart.

Medicines containing sodium

Preparations rich in sodium are used for oral administration in the form of tablets, as well as for preparation. dosage forms for injections, nasal spray and infusion solutions.

Metamizole sodium is a drug with an analgesic, antacid, anticholinergic effect, used for acute respiratory diseases. Has anti-inflammatory, antipyretic and analgesic effects;
Sodium fluoride - the drug belongs to the clinical-pharmacological group, intended as a preventive measure for dental caries and periodontal disease. It has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial properties that improve tissue regeneration. It has a beneficial effect on the hardening and maturation of tooth enamel, stimulates tooth tissue and helps reduce acid that causes caries;
Sodium hydroxybutyrate – the drug is sodium salt, produced in powder form. Activates metabolic processes in the tissues of the heart, brain and retina, increasing their resistance to hypoxia. Promotes the body's resistance to oxygen deficiency. Provides central muscle relaxant and sedative effect, when consumed in large doses, causes a state of anesthesia and sleep. Enhances the effect of narcotic and analgesic drugs.

Almost all drugs containing sodium have a lot of contraindications and possible side effects. Therefore, they should be taken after consulting a doctor first, and it is also recommended that women take them with extreme caution during pregnancy.

Helps maintain osmotic pressure in body fluids and water balance, transports amino acids, glucose, various inorganic and organic anions through cell membranes. Forms an action potential through exchange with potassium ions.
Transports carbon dioxide.
It influences protein metabolism by participating in the hydration process.

Sodium takes part in the synthesis of gastric juice, coordinates the release of metabolic products by the kidneys, activates some pancreatic enzymes and salivary glands, participates in ensuring alkaline reserves of blood plasma.

Sodium is completely absorbed in the body and also penetrates the pulmonary epithelium and skin. Its absorption is facilitated by.

Sodium norm per day - 4 - 6 g, which corresponds to 10 - 15 g of table salt. The need increases under conditions of heavy physical exertion, heavy sweating in hot climates.

Sodium in food

The amount of natural sodium in food is not very large - 15-80 mg%, but it is found in virtually all food.

Products	1 mg per 100 g
tomatoes

oats, buckwheat
black currant
apricots
potato


Red Ribes


strawberries







White cabbage




green pea

Lack of sodium in the body

Causes lack of sodium:

Unsatisfactory quantity of food receipts.
Diseases of the adrenal glands, pituitary gland, chronic diseases kidneys and intestines, neuroendocrine disorders.
Traumatic brain injuries.
Over-allocation sodium through increased sweating, vomiting, diarrhea.
Copious exudate in the presence of severe burns.
Long-term use of corticosteroids, diuretics (including caffeine), lithium preparations.
Excessive levels of calcium and potassium in the body.
Long-term interaction with sea water.
Sodium metabolism disorders.
A lack of K and Cl in the body becomes an obstacle to sodium intake.

Symptoms lack of sodium:

Excess sodium in the body

Sodium is not a toxic macronutrient. Poisonings are rare and random in nature.

The minimum lethal dose when administered orally is considered to be 8.2 g per kg of body weight. Mechanism toxic effect is as follows. The osmotic pressure at the sites of sodium chloride injection increases, as a result, water intensively enters from the surrounding tissues, causing dehydration and disruption of cell functions and metabolic processes. In the epithelial layer digestive tract and in the epithelium renal tubules arises inflammatory process, often leading to tissue necrosis.

Causes excess sodium:

Sodium metabolism disorders.
High doses sodium intake from food.
Lack of water in the body.

Symptoms excess sodium

thirst, sweating, swelling;
fatigue;
excitability;
increased blood pressure;
neurotic disorders;
dysfunction of the adrenal glands, kidneys (formation of stones) in the kidneys;
osteoporosis;
increasing insulin levels with constant excess.

Although sodium is not an organic chemical element, 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 the acid-base balance, osmotic pressure and a constant pH level of the blood. 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 located in the intercellular fluids (50%), about 10% is in the cells and 40% is 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, transporting amino acids, anions of organic and inorganic nature and the most important source of energy - glucose - through cell membranes. Responsible for equalizing osmotic pressure, protecting cells from rupture of membranes and loss of turgor;
It has a hypotensive effect by dilating blood vessels;
Creates conditions for the formation membrane potential, providing signal transmission from nerve and muscle cells to executive organs. This important function necessary for rhythmic contraction of the myocardium;
Promotes transfer carbon dioxide from all body tissues to the lungs;
Participates in the synthesis of gastric juice, which protects us from the invasion of pathogenic microorganisms;
Participates in protein metabolism, is responsible for the hydration of proteins;
Sodium is necessary to activate digestive 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 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, capable of causing irreparable harm 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 performs the above biological functions and 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 various systems body, dehydration.

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

The sample is taken in the morning before eating;
The most reliable result is obtained if the patient has not yet stood up (minimal tension muscle tissue);
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, the optimal time is 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 the cardiovascular 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 (hypocortisolism - reduced function of the adrenal cortex);
Accumulation of fluids – ascites, pleurisy;
Hypofunction of the pancreas, hypoglycemia;
Heart failure;
Kidney stones;
Potassium and calcium metabolism(increasing 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 turgor skin, the appearance of a rash, hair loss.

If the body is for a short time loses 500 mmol of sodium, pathologies of the circulatory system develop, and with a sharp loss of up to 1500 mmol of the macroelement, death is possible. 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 (with increased sweating) kidneys. Also, the cause of relative hypernatremia can be insufficient water intake.

The cause of absolute hypernatremia is various disorders of 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 limbs, faces. 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. Main source mineral - 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, cheeses.

Almost all products contain the mineral; its amount reaches 15-80 mg (per 100 g). Beets, carrots, turnips, artichokes, tomatoes, seafood, offal, will help replenish the supply of nutrients. seaweed. Vitamins D and K contribute to the absorption of sodium from foods of plant and animal origin. heat treatment 20-60% of the nutrient is lost. Vegetables should be eaten raw, and the menu should be supplemented with salted cheeses and 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 up to 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 of life-giving moisture, but with its excess it is observed reverse effect. Deficiency and excess of this mineral are equally dangerous to health, so your diet should be properly designed to ensure normal functioning body.

Sodium (sodium) is an extremely important element involved in most processes occurring in the body, so it is necessary to maintain it normal condition. Sodium in the human body is active on its own, and also interacts with other elements, affecting the vital functions and health of the body.

However, despite its importance and necessity, exceeding the amount of sodium and oversaturating the body with it can be dangerous, as it provokes the development of certain diseases.

Today on this page www.site we will talk about why sodium is needed in human body, deficiency, its excess, symptoms indicating these conditions will be given. What is the meaning of this element? So let's talk about it:

Sodium: significance in the human body

The role of sodium in human life cannot be ignored, much less underestimated. Entering the body with food, this element is almost completely absorbed by the small intestine. Distributed in cells, pericellular fluid (about half of the total volume). Some of it is concentrated in the bone and cartilaginous tissues.

Together with potassium, this element is found in all liquid spheres and tissues of the body without exception, and is actively involved in the processes cellular metabolism. This is due to its effect on the body as a whole.

As a positively charged ion, sodium helps normalize osmotic (hydrostatic) pressure. Interacting with potassium and chlorine, it normalizes the excitability of nerve and muscle fibers.

It has a positive effect on the production of digestive enzymes, in particular, it promotes the absorption of glucose. In the human body, sodium ensures the acid-base balance and enhances the production of adrenaline, which has a positive effect on the condition of the arteries.

The presence of sufficient sodium prevents dehydration by maintaining the required fluid level. And when interacting with potassium, it does not retain excess water. It is naturally eliminated from the body.

The daily sodium intake for an adult is 2 g. For children, it is reduced by 2-3 times (depending on age). The main source of this element is ordinary table salt, which we use daily and, unfortunately, much more than we should. So, for example, the daily norm (2 g) contains 1 tsp. table salt. But most of us consume much more salt. Others, on the contrary, adhere to a salt-free diet, which is also not at all healthy.

Let's talk in more detail about the deficiency and excess of sodium in the body. Let's find out why both are harmful:

What is sodium deficiency in the body (symptoms)

A deficiency of this element occurs very rarely. This can happen during strict restrictions nutrition, dieting, or with regular, uncontrolled use of diuretics. Sodium deficiency can also occur when kidney diseases.

Its insufficiency is evidenced increased fatigue, muscle weakness, thirst. Nausea is present and vomiting may occur. Convulsions, dizziness, a small amount of urine are released, and blood pressure drops. External symptoms: dry skin, mucous membranes, skin rashes, dullness, hair loss.

If there is a persistent, severe sodium deficiency, hallucinations may occur. Work is disrupted vestibular apparatus, there is a disturbance of consciousness. If the deficiency of this element is not eliminated in time, the body begins to intensively produce and accumulate nitrogen compounds, which threatens serious deviations in the functioning of the body, up to fatal outcome.

What is the manifestation of excess sodium in the body (symptoms):

This phenomenon is much more common than sodium deficiency in the body. Excess is also very harmful to humans. Most people consume much more salt than they should. This provokes gradual development serious illnesses. These include hypertension, osteoporosis, urolithiasis disease. The risk of developing neuroses increases, diabetes mellitus.

Symptoms of sodium excess: constant thirst, sweating, swelling. People complain of fatigue or increased excitability.

Excess salt additionally loads the heart muscle, disrupts normal blood circulation, and is displaced from the cellular space. important substances. In order to at least slightly neutralize the negative phenomena, lovers of salty foods are advised to consume more fermented milk products. Well, it’s best to limit your intake of salty foods.

In addition to increased salt intake, the causes of excess sodium can be a violation of sodium metabolism, insufficient intake drinking water.

Foods containing sodium

You need to know that this element is not produced by the body on its own. It comes only from the outside, with food. Therefore, if for some reason a deficiency occurs, experts recommend increasing the consumption of foods food additives containing it.

Many products contain this element. First of all, as we already know, this is table salt. In addition, sodium is contained in: garlic, cheese, milk, beef. There's a lot of it in seaweed, seafood, as well as beets and carrots. There is a lot of it in ready-made sauces, especially soy, as well as seasonings and canned goods.

You will get additional amounts of sodium by drinking an infusion of the birch chaga mushroom, by eating hawthorn berries, by adding saffron to your food, and also if you regularly drink mineral water.

Some useful tips

If your body is deficient in sodium, it will tell you about it with increased cravings. salty foods. To help him regain balance, increase his intake mineral water, at least two glasses per day.

In the summer, when increased sweating results in a lot of fluid being lost, from which sodium is excreted, eat fish, canned fish, such as saury, mackerel or tuna in oil.

In conclusion, it should be noted that sodium is very important for normal life body. Therefore, you should maintain the required level in the body, but try not to exceed it, maintaining normal water-salt balance. This will help maintain health and allow the body to function normally. Be healthy!

Sodium in pure form received in 1807 by Humphry Davy, an English chemist who discovered sodium shortly before. Davy carried out the process of electrolysis of one of the sodium compounds - hydroxide, by melting which he obtained sodium. Humanity has used sodium compounds since ancient times, soda natural origin used back in Ancient Egypt(calorizer). Named the element sodium (sodium) , sometimes this very name can be found even now. The usual name is sodium (from the Latin sodium- soda) was proposed by the Swede Jens Berzelius.

Sodium is a group I element III third period periodic table chemical elements DI. Mendeleev, has an atomic number of 11 and an atomic mass of 22.99. The accepted designation is Na(from Latin sodium).

Being in nature

Sodium compounds are found in the earth's crust, sea water, in the form of an impurity that tends to color rock salt in Blue colour due to the effects of radiation.

Sodium is a soft, malleable alkali metal that is silvery-white in color and shiny when cut fresh (it is quite possible to cut sodium with a knife). When pressure is applied, it turns into a transparent red substance, when normal temperature crystallizes. When interacting with air, it quickly oxidizes, so sodium must be stored under a layer of kerosene.

Daily sodium requirement

Sodium is an important trace element for the human body. daily requirement in it for adults it is 550 mg, for children and adolescents - 500-1300 mg. During pregnancy, the sodium norm per day is 500 mg, and in some cases ( profuse sweating, dehydration, taking diuretics) should be increased.

Sodium is found in almost all seafood (crayfish, crabs, octopus, squid, mussels, seaweed), fish (anchovies, sardines, flounder, smelt, etc.), chicken eggs, cereals (buckwheat, rice, pearl barley, oatmeal, millet), legumes (peas, beans), vegetables (tomatoes, celery, carrots, cabbage, beets), dairy products and meat by-products.

Beneficial properties of sodium and its effect on the body

The beneficial properties of sodium for the body are:

Normalization of water-salt metabolism;
Activation of enzymes of the salivary and pancreas;
Participation in the production of gastric juice;
Maintaining normal acid-base balance;
Generating functions of the nervous and muscular system;
Vasodilator effect;
Maintaining blood osmotic concentration.

Sodium digestibility

Sodium is found in almost all foods, although the body receives most of it (about 80%) from. Absorption mainly occurs in the stomach and small intestine. improves sodium absorption, however, excessively salty foods and foods rich in proteins interfere with normal absorption.

Interaction with others

The use of sodium metal is in the chemical and metallurgical industries, where it acts as a powerful reducing agent. Sodium chloride (table salt) is used by all inhabitants of our planet without exception; it is the most famous flavoring agent and the oldest preservative.

Signs of sodium deficiency

Sodium deficiency usually occurs when you sweat excessively - in hot climates or when physical activity. Lack of sodium in the body is characterized by memory impairment and loss of appetite, dizziness, fatigue, dehydration, muscle weakness, and sometimes - convulsions, skin rashes, stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting.

Signs of excess sodium

Excessive amount of sodium in the body makes itself felt constant thirst, swelling and allergic reactions.