Sodium |
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Basic Information
Available from natural sources? Yes
Available from synthetic sources? No
Prescription required? No
NATURAL SOURCES
Bacon
Beef, dried and fresh
Bread
Butter
Clams
Green beans
Ham
Margarine
Milk
Sardines, canned
Table salt (chief source of sodium)
Tomatoes, canned
NOTE: In most commercially canned vegetables, frozen foods and
processed foods, salt is added to improve taste. "Highly
processed" foods (also high in sodium) include soups, bouillon,
pickles, potato chips, snack foods, ham.
REASONS TO USE
Helps regulate water balance in body.
Plays a crucial role in maintaining blood pressure.
Aids muscle contraction and nerve transmission.
Regulates body's acid-base balance.
UNPROVED SPECULATED BENEFITS
Lowers fevers.
Prevents heatstroke.
WHO NEEDS ADDITIONAL AMOUNTS?
People with a chronic wasting illness, excess stress for long
periods or who have recently undergone surgery.
Anyone who suffers prolonged loss of body fluids from vomiting
or diarrhea.
Those with Addison's disease.
People suffering congestive heart failure who take diuretics.
Those who drink water excessively for prolonged periods. (This
is usually a psychiatric condition.)
People who suffer some types of cancers of the adrenal glands.
Anyone who suffers infections with high fever.
Those who have excessive sweating (rare cause).
People who use diuretics.
Anyone who cannot eat or drink, such as those with stroke or
gastrointestinal upset.
Those with chronic kidney disease.
DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS
Muscle and stomach cramps
Nausea
Fatigue
Mental apathy
Muscle twitching and cramping (usually in legs)
Appetite loss
UNPROVED SPECULATED SYMPTOMS
Neuralgia
LAB TESTS TO DETECT DEFICIENCY
Serum sodium
DOSAGE AND USAGE INFORMATION
| Age |
Estimated Safe Intake |
| 0-6 months |
0.115-0.35g |
| 6-12 months |
0.25-0.75g |
| 1-3 years |
0.325-0.975g |
| 4-6 years |
0.45-1.35g |
| 7-10 years |
0.60-1.80g |
| 11-17 years |
0.90-2.270g |
| 18+ years |
1.10-3.30g |
What this mineral does:
As an electrolyte, sodium is present in all body cells. Its
most important function is to regulate the balance of water
inside and outside cells.
Miscellaneous information:
We consume most of our sodium as sodium chloride--ordinary
table salt.
The most common problem with sodium in a healthy person is
"too-much," rather than "too-little." A typical diet contains
3,000 to 12,000mg of sodium a day. For normal function, we only
need 3,000mg.
Excessive amounts of sodium can be a major factor in
development of high blood pressure. Decreasing sodium intake
helps control high blood pressure.
Available as:
Sodium-chloride tablets, but these may cause stomach distress
and an overload on the kidneys.
WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
Don't take if you have:
Congestive heart failure.
Hepatic cirrhosis.
Hypertension.
Edema from any cause.
A family history of high blood pressure.
Consult your doctor if you have:
Any heart or blood-vessel disease.
Bleeding problems.
Epilepsy.
Kidney disease.
Over age 55:
No special problems expected if healthy.
Pregnancy:
Dietary restriction of sodium in healthy women during
pregnancy is not recommended.
Don't take megadoses.
Breast-feeding:
Dietary restriction of sodium in healthy women during
lactation is not recommended.
Don't take megadoses.
Effect on lab tests:
None expected.
Storage:
Store in cool, dry place away from direct light, but don't
freeze.
Store safely out of reach of children.
Don't store in bathroom medicine cabinet. Heat and moisture
may change action of mineral.
Others:
Too little sodium occurs almost entirely in people desperately
ill with dehydration or those recovering from recent surgery or
after excessive sweating from heavy physical activity in a hot
environment.
Proper replacement of sodium deficiencies requires care by
your doctor and frequent laboratory studies.
OVERDOSE/TOXICITY
Signs and symptoms:
Tissue swelling (edema), stupor, coma.
What to do:
For symptoms of overdosage: Discontinue mineral, and consult
doctor. Also see ADVERSE REACTIONS OR SIDE EFFECTS section
below.
For accidental overdosage: Dial 911 (emergency), 0 for
operator or your nearest Poison Control Center.
ADVERSE REACTIONS OR SIDE EFFECTS
| Reaction or effect |
What to do |
| WITH EXCESSIVE AMOUNTS OF SODIUM: |
| Anxiety |
Discontinue. Call doctor immediately. |
| Confusion |
Discontinue. Call doctor immediately. |
| Edema |
Discontinue. Call doctor immediately. |
| Nausea |
Discontinue. Call doctor immediately. |
| Restlessness |
Discontinue. Call doctor immediately. |
| Vomiting |
Seek emergency treatment. |
| Weakness |
Discontinue. Call doctor |
|
immediately. |
INTERACTION WITH MEDICINE, VITAMINS OR MINERALS
None expected
INTERACTION WITH OTHER SUBSTANCES
None known
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