Facts about Sodium: How it could be affecting your health.
posted: Sep. 20, 2022.
What is Sodium's role in the body?
Sodium helps by regulating fluid volume, ion transport, intracellular osmotic pressure and neuronal transmittion.
How is Sodium helpful?
Sodium is helpful in preventing cramps and treating low blood pressure.
How is Sodium harmful?
Sodium can increase blood pressure, increase swelling, migraines, asthma and increase calcium excretion which is harmful to bones and kidneys.
What are symptoms of deficiency?
Symptoms include fatigue, weakness, nausea, muscle cramps and orthostatic hypotension (standing up and feeling light headed).
Sodium in the United States:
About 90% of Americans eat more sodium than is recommended for a healthy diet
US adults consume on average of 3,400 mg/day of sodium compared to the recommended daily allowance of less than 2,300 mg/day.
By reducing sodium intake to 2,300 mg/day the US could save up to $20 billion a year in medical costs.