Sodium
Although it is important to monitor the amounts of sodium (Na) you ingest because of the effect it has on raising the level of blood pressure in your body, this mineral is essential to keep you body functioning properly.
The highest concentrations of this mineral in your body are in the blood and in the fluids that surround the cells. It is essential in maintaining the proper levels of water in the blood and it plays a significant role in the normal functioning of the nerves and muscles. The kidneys help to maintain the levels of sodium in your body by excreting the excess amounts in the urine.
The most common source of sodium in food is through the use of table salt to season food while it is cooking or by sprinkling it on your food after it has been cooked. However, many foods naturally contain sodium, such as milk, beet and celery.
It is commonly used in food processing and is added to food products in the form of MSG (monosodium glutamate, a common additive in Chinese food), baking soda, Worcestershire sauce, soya sauce, onion salt, garlic salt and bouillon cubes. Many recipes call for these additional ingredients to give a taste to the various dishes.
Low levels of sodium in the body lead to a deficiency of the mineral if left untreated. Hyponatremia is the result of not having enough sodium in the blood, with the initial symptoms of sluggishness and confusion. It can be caused by drinking too much fluid, which causes the kidneys to work overtime in flushing the extra fluids out of your body. The water also takes away the much needed sodium from the blood and the cells.
continue to Sodium Part 2