SODIUM

Indispensible for Life

Man has been consuming sodium chloride (the chemical name for common salt) from as far back as history has been recorded. Sodium is a silver-white, highly reactive, alkaline, metallic element. It is soft and malleable. It is normally found inside the body and outside it is combination with other elements. It is essential for life and is present in the fluids of the body outside the cells. It is usually taken in the form of sodium chloride.

Sodium is almost completely absorbed from the gastro-intestinal tract in the normal individual but substantial losses may occur due to vomiting and diarrhoea. The kidneys excrete most of the sodium consumed, with variable amounts being lost through the skin and stools. 

Functions in the Body

Sodium is the most abundant cation in the extracellular fluid of the body. It acts with other electrolytes, especially potassium, in the intracellular fluid, to regulate the osmotic pressure and maintain proper water balance within the body. It is a major factor in maintaining the acid-base equilibrium, in transmitting nerve impulses, and in relaxing muscles. It is also required for glucose absorption and for the transportation of other nutrients across cell membranes.

Sources

Vegetables like dry lotus stems and leafy vegetables are rich in sodium, as are a variety of pulses and legumes. Fruits, fish and meat also contain a substantial amount of sodium.

Deficiency Symptoms

Deficiency of sodium is caused by excessive sweating, prolonged use of diuretics, or chronic diarrhoea. Deficiency may lead to nausea, muscular weakness, heat exhaustion, and mental apathy.

Healing and Therapeutic Properties

In case of milk deficiency of sodium chloride, taking a teaspoon of common salt in a pint of water or in any fruit juice, quickly restores health.

Precautions :

Avoiding the use of common salt can rectify the adverse effects of excessive sodium chloride in the body. Foods rich in salt such as salted nuts, biscuits, meat, fish, chicken, eggs, cheese, dried fruits, spinach, carrots, and radishes should be avoided. However, low sodium foods like cereals, sugar, honey, fresh fruits, brinjals, cabbage, cauliflower, tomatoes, potatoes, onions, peas, and pumpkin can be eaten.