Sodium is a cation, or positively charged ion, that is abundant in the extracellular tissues. It has a variety of purposes in the human body, including regulation of blood and body fluids and transmission of nerve impulses. For adults, a normal sodium level is anything in the range of 136 to 144 milliequivalents per liter.
Sodium Intake
The National Research Council suggests that individuals consume approximately 1,500 mg of sodium per day. The council also suggests that individuals attempt to consume less than 2,300 mg of sodium per day because of the correlation between high sodium intake and high blood pressure. Government health organizations estimate that most Americans consume between 3,000 and 5,000 mg of sodium per day. Sodium intake does not correlate with blood sodium levels. Blood sodium levels are altered by certain disease states and traumas.
Determing Sodium Levels
To determine your current sodium levels, contact your primary care physician and have him perform a blood draw. Ask for a complete metabolic panel or a basic metabolic panel. Both will include sodium and the other electrolytes like potassium, magnesium and chloride.
Hypernatremia
Symptoms of high blood sodium levels, or hypernatremia, are lethargy, weakness, irritability and edema. Hypernatremia can be caused by dehydration or severe diarrhea. This is common in people who have diabetes insipidus and do not produce the hormone ADH, those who are in a coma and those who have a closed head injury, according to Judith Lukaszuk, Ph.D., R.D.
Hyponatremia
Symptoms of low blood sugar levels, or hyponatremia, are nausea and vomiting, headache, confusion, lethargy, fatigue, appetite loss, muscle weakness, spasms, seizures, and decreased consciousness or coma. Hyponatremia can be caused by edema, severe burns, severe diarrhea and vomiting, and diuretic use. Lukaszuk notes this is common in people who are starving themselves, have malabsorption disorders or are hyperglycemic.
References
- Judith Lukaszuk, Ph.D., R.D.; Northern Illinois University; Dekalb, Illinois
- "Krause's Food and Nutrition Therapy"; L. Kathleen Mahan; 2008
- "Advanced Nutrition and Human Metabolism"; Sareen Gropper; 2009
- "Clinical Methods: The History, Physical, and Laboratory Examinations"; Chapter 194: Serum Sodium; George Ackerman; 1990
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