When it is consumed excessively over a long period of time, sodium can earn its nickname as the "silent killer." But sodium is actually a necessary nutrient for many different processes in your body. When your body's blood sodium levels get too low, problems can arise and sometimes in persons who engage in intense exercise and don't take in the proper nutrients during exercise.
Causes
According to the website Medline Plus, the potential causes of low sodium levels in the body include diarrhea, sweating and vomiting, which purge sodium and water from the body. Medications called diuretics also have this effect. More serious conditions like congestive heart failure, kidney disease and liver cirrhosis can produce low sodium levels. Topical burns can also result in low blood sodium, or hyponatremia.
Effects of Old Age
Low sodium levels are more common in older individuals, according to MayoClinic.com. This is because of the different ways their bodies attempt to maintain a balance between water and sodium. In addition to normal causes, elderly individuals may experience low blood sodium after drinking too much water, urinating too frequently, experiencing changes in the kidneys, having an underactive thyroid, suffering from Addison's disease or experiencing heart failure.
Symptoms
When sodium levels decline to a serious point, you may notice one or more symptoms develop. Common symptoms include confusion, hallucinations, convulsions, fatigue, headache, irritability, muscle spasms, cramps or weakness, decreased consciousness, restlessness, nausea, vomiting, and/or coma, according to Medline Plus.
Considerations
Low sodium levels is a serious health concern. If you experience the symptoms of hyponatremia and are unable to rid yourself of them by resting and consuming foods containing sodium, contact a doctor or visit a hospital immediately. Failure to address this medical condition could lead to organ failure or even death. You can prevent this development by making sure sodium is present in your diet and is being consumed before and after periods of intense exercise.
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