In the body, sodium is the ion form of sodium, an essential mineral, and has many important functions. Sodium plays a critical role in maintaining vital functions such as nerve conduction, muscle contraction, body fluid balance and blood pressure regulation. This mineral is indispensable for maintaining a balanced salt balance between the intercellular fluid and the blood. However, imbalance of sodium levels is known as “low sodium” or in its medical name “hyponatremia”, which is a serious condition that can lead to health problems. Low sodium may occur as a result of not having enough sodium in the body or diluting the sodium as a result of excessive water intake. Hyponatremia can manifest itself with a number of symptoms.
What does sodium do in the body?
Sodium is a mineral that plays many important roles in the body. Among them:
- Regulating fluid balance: Sodium helps regulate the fluid balance between cells and blood.
- Regulating blood pressure: Sodium plays an important role in regulating blood pressure.
- Supporting muscle and nerve functions: Sodium is necessary for muscle and nerve functions.
- Supporting the absorption of certain nutrients: Sodium helps support the absorption of some nutrients.
The amount of sodium in the body is controlled by the kidneys. The kidneys ensure that excess sodium in the blood is excreted through urine. Sodium deficiency can cause symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, headaches, muscle cramps and difficulty concentrating. Excess sodium can lead to serious health problems such as high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke and kidney disease. The daily sodium requirement of an adult is 2,300 milligrams. But in some cases, this need may be higher or lower. For example, active people may need more sodium.
What causes low sodium?
Low sodium is a condition in which the amount of sodium in the blood is lower than normal. Sodium is a mineral that plays many important roles in the body. The amount of sodium in the body is controlled by the kidneys. The kidneys ensure that excess sodium in the blood is excreted through urine. The most common causes of low sodium are:
- Insufficient sodium intake: Sodium is found in salty foods. Insufficient sodium intake can cause sodium deficiency.
- Sodium loss through urine: Some medications, kidney diseases, and conditions such as diarrhea, vomiting, and sweating can cause sodium loss through urine.
- Alcoholism: Alcohol can increase sodium excretion from the kidneys.
- Some diseases: Some diseases, such as Addison’s disease, heart failure, and kidney failure, can cause low sodium.
Low sodium can cause symptoms such as:
- Tiredness
- Weakness
- Headache
- muscle cramps
- difficulty concentrating
- dizziness
- Fainting
What does low sodium do to the body?
Low sodium is called “hyponatremia” in medical terms and refers to a condition in which sodium levels in the body fall below normal. Sodium is a vital electrolyte for the body and plays an important role in many biological functions such as fluid balance, nerve conduction and muscle function. Being low in sodium can lead to a variety of symptoms and health problems. Low sodium can make it difficult for the body to perform these important functions. “What happens if the salt level in the body decreases?” For the question, sodium deficiency diseases and problems are as follows:
- Neurological Problems: Hyponatremia can affect the normal function of nerve cells. This can lead to dizziness, headaches, lack of concentration, memory problems and even loss of consciousness. Severe low sodium can cause seizures.
- Muscle Problems: Sodium deficiency can disrupt the normal function of muscles and cause muscle weakness, tremors, or muscle cramps.
- Fluid Imbalance: Low sodium can affect fluid balance in the body. This can especially lead to swelling, edema and decreased blood pressure.
- Heart Problems: Excessive sodium loss or low sodium levels can cause heart rhythm problems and irregularities.
- Stomach Problems: Low sodium can cause digestive problems such as nausea and vomiting.
What to do if sodium is low?
Low sodium (hyponatremia) is a medical condition and can lead to serious health problems. It is important to see a doctor to determine the cause and severity of low sodium and provide appropriate treatment. Determining the cause of low sodium is very important to plan appropriate treatment. Low sodium can occur for many different reasons, such as excessive fluid loss, side effects of medications, kidney problems, hormonal imbalances or other health problems.
Depending on the cause of low sodium, your doctor may recommend fluid restrictions or sodium supplements. This can help regulate fluid balance in the body. Depending on the severity and cause of low sodium, your doctor may prescribe medications. Underlying health problems, especially those causing hyponatremia, should be treated.
Be careful about salt consumption as recommended by your doctor. Salt (sodium chloride) is a source of sodium, so regulating salt consumption is important in treating low sodium. Strictly follow the treatment plan recommended by your doctor. Low sodium is a condition that does not go away on its own and may require appropriate treatment.
What to eat for low sodium?
In case of low sodium (hyponatremia), in addition to the treatment recommended by your doctor, you can consume some foods to increase and balance your sodium levels. However, you should definitely consult a healthcare professional before increasing sodium intake because it is important to determine the cause and severity of low sodium. “What to eat for sodium deficiency?” In response to the question, here are some food and drink suggestions for low sodium:
- Salt: Salt (sodium chloride) is a natural source of sodium. You can consume the amount of salt recommended by your doctor. You can flavor your meals with salt or add salty snacks.
- Brines and Pickles: Pickles and fermented foods can be rich in sodium because salt water is used during the pickling (marination) process. However, it is important not to overdo your sodium intake.
- Soy Sauce: Soy sauce is an option that adds flavor to dishes as well as providing sodium. However, since it has a high sodium content, you should use it with caution.
- Pretzels and Chips: Pretzels, chips, and salty snacks contain sodium. However, it is important to consume these foods in moderation.
- Sardines and Canned Tuna: Canned fish may contain sodium. Therefore, canned seafood such as sardines or tuna may be considered to increase sodium intake.
- Salty Watery Soups: Some types of salty soups may be high in sodium. You can add these soups to your meals or snacks.
- Electrolyte Drinks: Electrolyte drinks that contain sodium can quickly increase sodium levels. However, it is important to carefully monitor the sodium content of these drinks.
Follow your doctor’s recommendations when choosing foods to treat low sodium and balance sodium levels. It is also important not to overdo salt consumption, as high salt intake can lead to health problems.
Does low sodium increase blood pressure?
Low sodium (hyponatremia) does not usually increase blood pressure, on the contrary, it can lead to low blood pressure. High or low blood pressure can be affected as a result of the fluid and electrolyte balance in the body. Low sodium can disrupt the fluid balance in the body and cause fluids to leak out of the cells. This can lead to low blood pressure and symptoms of low blood pressure (hypotension). Symptoms of low blood pressure may include dizziness, fainting, weakness, and fatigue.
Does low sodium affect the brain?
Low sodium can affect the brain and lead to serious neurological problems. Sodium is a mineral that maintains the balance of electrolytes in the body and helps the nervous system function properly. Lower than normal levels of sodium can impair brain function and cause potentially life-threatening problems. Some symptoms that low sodium can affect the brain include:
- Headache
- Weakness and Fatigue
- Dizziness and Lightheadedness
- Concentration Disorder
- seizures
- Loss of consciousness
Is low sodium dangerous in the elderly?
Low sodium in the elderly can be a serious health problem and can be especially dangerous for older individuals. The aging process can cause changes in many systems in the body, and these changes can increase the risk of low sodium. Low sodium can cause neurological problems in elderly individuals. These may include headaches, dizziness, mental confusion, memory problems, poor concentration, and loss of coordination. Severe hyponatremia can cause seizures or loss of consciousness.
Risk factors for low sodium in older individuals may include certain medications (e.g., diuretics), underlying medical conditions (e.g., diabetes, kidney problems), and decreased kidney function with age. Therefore, seniors should monitor their sodium levels and follow their healthcare professionals’ recommendations to prevent or treat low sodium levels.
Is low sodium dangerous in cancer patients?
Low sodium can be a serious health problem in cancer patients and can further complicate the treatment process. Cancer and cancer treatment may involve a number of factors that can affect sodium levels. Cancer treatment can often cause gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. These side effects can lead to fluid and sodium loss and trigger low sodium.
Some cancers or cancer treatment can cause excessive fluid retention in the body. This can lead to sodium dilution and hyponatremia. Some types of cancer, especially cancers with lung, liver or bone metastases, can affect sodium levels. Some medications used to treat cancer can affect sodium levels or have diuretic effects.