Sodium is a mineral electrolyte, which allows it to regulate fluid balance. Having a healthy amount of the mineral in your body allows the right balance to be struck between the water retained in your cells and the vital electrolytes held alongside it for other purposes.
This is sodium's main task in the human body. As a result, around 85% of the mineral is typically held within the bloodstream and lymph fluid. Despite this sodium also plays a few other bodily roles. Sodium assists in the nervous system and muscles whilst helping to keep your …show more content…
It is worth noting that opinion is divided on this and a healthy amount can vary from person to person. However, anything more or less than this approximate window can result a wide array of problems.
Failing to meet this level of sodium is, medically, called hyponatremia. Conversely, dangerously exceeding it is called hypernatremia.
Symptoms of hyponatremia (sodium deficiency) are commonly linked to the excess water retention it causes. This occurs as there are not enough electrolytes left to balance the cellular system. Organ failure and adverse side-effects from medication are common causes.
This low level state can prove extremely dangerous. The brain is at particular risk as water retention can cause long-term, irreversible damage to the cells.
Many sufferers of hyponatremia will report headaches and symptoms similar to concussion. Blackouts, hallucinations, comas, and even death can even occur if hyponatremia is left unchecked. Diarrhea and vomiting can also appear. as the body desperately attempts to get back to the right level of