When you perform physical activity, your body excretes a high amount of sodium through sweating, making it important to replenish your sodium level by taking in the sodium that you put out. You can maintain the amount of sodium in your body through consumption of food and liquid. The amount necessary for you to take in will depend on the amount of sodium loss through exercise.
Function of Sodium
Sodium is an electrolyte contained in your body that plays a role in controlling the amount of water levels that are contained in the blood and fluid within and surrounding the cell in your body. It also preserves normal nerve and muscle function. It is important to maintain your sodium level for your body to be healthy and function properly.
Sodium Loss During Physical Activity
Scientific evidence reveals the quantity of sweat and the total of sodium loss in a human body during physical activity depends particularly on the individual himself. The amount will vary from 460 to 1840 mg/L of sweat. It depends on several factors such as genetics, fitness, acclimatization and weather conditions. It is important that you experiment during exercise the amount of sodium that is necessary for the correct balance needed for your body.
Decreased Level of Sodium
When your sodium level drops too low compared with the amount of your fluid level, your cells will start to swell. This can cause mild to severe health issues, such as headache, confusion, fatigue, lethargy, appetite loss, nausea, vomiting, muscle weakness, seizures, decreased consciousness or coma. This is known as hyponatremia. It is necessary to limit fluids and reduce or quit diuretics to restore your sodium level and to put a stop to hyponatremia.
Lack of Fluid Intake
Hypovolemia is a very serious health condition initiated by several factors, including lack of fluid intake. When this occurs the heart is no longer capable of pumping a sufficient amount of blood to your body. If this happens it can force many of your organs to come to a halt. Consuming fluid is essential for you to stay healthy and keep your balance of sodium levels stable.
Member Comments