SODIUM

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.