Sodium is
an important macro-mineral which is needed for proper functioning of many body
cells. Sodium is especially important for blood pressure, heart and nerve
cells. Sodium is required to balance several body functions while its
consumption in quantities both more or less than its requirement can be extremely
dangerous for human health. Water and salt balance is extremely important for
several metabolic functions of body.
Functions of
Sodium
Sodium is
necessary in the body to adjust blood pressure, blood volume, pH level (acidity
& alkaline volume) etc. and its balance amount should be acquired to
maintain these functions. E.g. low amount of sodium than its requirement can
lead to low blood pressure while it can trigger high blood pressure (HBP) if
taken in amount higher than its upper limit.
Sodium is
required in higher amounts than normal during conditions when body loses too
much sweat as it lowers the sodium volume in body alongside water. These
conditions include high temperature, humidity, strenuous exercise etc.
People
suffering from diseases like HBP
(high blood pressure), kidney diseases,
heart failure etc. should consume
less sodium than normal intake, according to the directions by the physician.
Healthy individuals should also limit their sodium intake according to their
requirement as consumption of higher sodium intake for a longer period can
cause several diseases including few mentioned above.
Presence in
Foods
Sodium is
mainly present in table salt as sodium
chloride. 40% of table salt is sodium. UL (upper limit) of sodium for
healthy individuals between 19 and 50 years of age is 2.3 grams per day.
Therefore, healthy people should consume maximum of 5.8 grams per day of common
salt. Sodium is also present in common foods in smaller amounts.