Americans eating too much sodium and sodium causing a rise in blood pressure are two schools of thought held by many. Despite its reputation, the salt shaker is not the primary cause of excess sodium in the diet. Restaurants and packaged foods are responsible for 75 percent of dietary sodium.
What is Sodium?
‘Salt’ and ‘sodium’ are used interchangeably. They are not the same thing. Salt is a crystal-like compound abundant in nature. Sodium is a mineral. It is a chemical element found in salt. As a food ingredient, it is used for multiple purposes such as:
- Enhancing flavor
- Retaining moisture
- Thickening
- Baking
- Curing meat
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Why Is Everyone so Concerned About Sodium These Days?
A recent study set out to clarify the risk of eating too much sodium and reducing sodium intake benefits. Researchers studied over 3000 people with high blood pressure for more than 24 years. They found a correlation between death risk and sodium intake.
Author, Nancy R. Cook of Harvard Medical School in Boston and Brigham and Women’s Hospital, was not surprised by the results. It is common knowledge that sodium produces a higher risk of cardiovascular disease by increasing blood pressure.
Trials assessed the effects of losing weight and reducing sodium in the diet on blood pressure. Data of participants revealed 251 of 3,126 people died. The sodium reduction group had consistently fewer deaths. The calculation made, was a 15 percent lower death risk by reducing sodium.
The analysis does not support the same results between individuals who are in categories of low and moderate sodium intake. Dietary guidelines recommended by such organizations as the American Heart Association are hard to achieve in the food environment in America.
Sodium is an essential nutrient. Everyone needs some sodium in the diet. The amount needed is far less than that consumed by many Americans.
How Is Sodium Used in the Human Body?
Sodium plays an essential role in several body functions. It helps regulate nerve and muscle function and helps control blood pressure.
- Sodium dissolves in the blood. It attracts and holds water. It is sodium that helps in maintaining the liquid portion of blood. It is important in maintenance and osmoregulation in the body.
- An electric current is required for nerves and muscles to properly function. Nerve and muscle cells generate current by controlling the flow of electrically charged molecules that include sodium. Nerves need the electrical activity for nerve communication. The current stimulates muscles, causing them to contract.
- Molecular pumps are used by the cells to keep outside levels of sodium high. When the electrical current is necessary, cells allow sodium ions that are positively charged, into the cell which generates a positive electrical current.
- The body carefully regulates sodium levels to prevent levels from becoming too low or too high. The kidneys control concentrations of sodium. Sodium is retained when levels are low and excreted in urine when levels are high.
- The kidneys can change sodium to dangerous levels in people who suffer kidney dysfunction.
- Sodium can be lost in the form of sweat, vomit, or burns that affect large areas of the body.
What Is the Daily Recommended Intake for Sodium?
The recommended daily sodium intake differs somewhat from source to source. The Food and Drug Administration recommends no more than 2300 mg of sodium intake per day. Certain groups have an intake limit recommendation of 1500 mg.
The FDA developed its recommendations based on the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. The departments of Agriculture and Health and Health Services release a publication every five years. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2015 recommended healthy eating habits that limit sodium.
- Children age 14 to adults should consume less than 2300 mg each day.
- Children under 14 should consume less.
The 2300 mg is the safe upper limit, not the recommended daily allowance. Active people who lose sodium through perspiration require at most 1500 mg per day.
Demographic groups sensitive to the blood-pressure-raising effects of sodium need to limit sodium intake to 1500 mg per day. Fifty percent of Americans are subject to this limit. Anyone who has or is one of the following are included in the group whose intake limit is 1500 mg.
- High blood pressure
- Kidney disease
- Diabetes
- Over the age of 51
- African American
How Can You Tell How Much Sodium You’re Eating?
A primary care doctor checks sodium levels regularly, especially for patients with a family heart disease history. Nutrition facts labels list sodium amounts per serving. The ideal amount is at most five percent of the daily value suggested by the FDA.
These are signs that too much sodium is being ingested.
- Extremely Thirsty – When you eat salty food, you get thirsty. Waking up in the morning or the middle of the night thirsty may mean too much salt was consumed the previous day. If the sign becomes habitual, the diet may be in need of alteration before excess consumption impact health.
- Feeling Bloated – Sodium is a natural water retaining element. Consuming too much causes an uncomfortable, bloated feeling. A constant bloated feeling may indicate too much sodium intake.
- High Blood Pressure – The most threatening sign of excess sodium is high blood pressure. The excess sodium not gotten rid of in the kidneys goes into the blood stream. The blood volume increases as sodium magnetizes and causes water retention. The process raises blood pressure which makes the heart pump harder and places strain on the arteries and other organs.
- Osteoporosis – Weak and brittle bones can be an indication that too much sodium is being consumed. Sodium decreases bone density which causes a loss in strength. Sodium interferes with calcium absorption that is crucial for building and maintenance of bone health.
Top 5 Health Benefits of Sodium
In general, sodium deficiency leads to:
- Muscular irritability
- Dizziness
- Confusion
- Weight loss
- Lethargy
- Low blood pressure
- Weakness
- Headache
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
Sodium plays a pivotal role in fluid maintenance, osmoregulation, muscle contraction, nerve function and enzyme operation. Sufficient sodium is vital during adrenal insufficiency, sunstroke, and excessive perspiration. The top five benefits of sodium are listed below.
Nervous System
The nervous system is the most seriously impacted by a sodium deficiency. It will begin to shut down. Sodium aids in the transmission of electrical impulses in the body. Sodium and potassium diffuse through nerve cell membranes to control the rate of neuron impulses.
Muscle Contraction
Sodium has a role in the communication between muscle tissue that controls the movement of muscles and the nervous system. Sodium rushing to the nerve cells triggers a small electrical signal transmission. The muscles, sensing the signal, shorten and contract muscle fibers. Skeletal muscle contractions support posture and allow movement. The role in cardiac muscle contraction is heartbeat maintenance.
Fluid Maintenance
Sodium helps regulate fluid levels in the body. Water balance and sodium are closely linked. Sodium channels and gateways pump water to the cells and regulate extracellular fluid amounts in the body. Fluid balance and sodium are important to endurance athletes and people with extremely active lifestyles.
Osmoregulation
Because sodium is a determinant of the volume of extracellular fluid, physiological mechanisms regulate blood pressure and blood volume that adjust the content of sodium in the body. Pressure receptors sense blood pressure changes and send signals to the endocrine glands that affect the regulation of sodium by the kidneys. The regulation of the amounts of water and salt enables the kidneys to adjust water retention and loss to the state of hydration of the body.
Healthy Heart Condition
Sodium controls fluid volume more than any electrolyte. It has a direct effect on the volume of blood. Without the appropriate proportion of sodium and other electrolytes, the heart contractions may become erratic and weak, which increases the risk of failure.
Side Effects and Dangers of Sodium
A study, done in Australia in 2011, found that the response of the brain to sodium is similar to that of nicotine, cocaine, and heroin. The findings may explain why many people tend to overindulge in foods high in sodium. Too much can prove deadly.
Effect on the Brain
A Canadian study conducted in the same year, with a sample of 1200 older sedentary adults, linked cognitive decline risk to high-sodium diets. The findings suggested sodium alone may affect cognitive function in older, sedentary adults more than the overall diet effects.
Effect on the Kidneys
A high-sodium diet may interfere with the delicate process of retaining and getting rid of water in the kidneys. Less water is removed, putting more strain on the kidneys that causes kidney disease or exacerbates existing kidney problems.
Effect on Bones
Sodium elevates urinary calcium excretion that may increase bone loss and remodeling.
Effect on the Heart
Excess sodium amounts in the diet lead to high blood pressure. High blood pressure increases the force that pushes blood against artery walls as blood is pumped by the heart. Excessive pressure can lead to heart failure or stroke.
Effect on the Skin
Excessive sodium causes edema that is characterized by feet, leg, ankle, and hand swelling.
Effect on the Stomach
The International Journal of Epidemiology published a study in 1996 that found stomach cancer-related deaths in both women and men were closely linked to the consumption of sodium. Stomach ulcers are also associated with a high-sodium intake.
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Disclaimer
The article is meant to provide information. The information in this article comes from various sources that may have alternative points of view. It is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatments. Consult a healthcare provider for specific questions about sodium and your health.