Hyponatremia is a deficiency of sodium in your blood. It is an electrolyte imbalance that causes several symptoms. Doctors treat it based on the underlying cause. Regardless of your doctor's initial intervention, ongoing treatment focuses on keeping your serum sodium level higher than 135 mEq/L, particularly if the cause of your hyponatremia is chronic. One way to do that is by modifying your diet.
Causes
Two causes of a sodium deficiency are excessive water consumption and a diet that is low in sodium relative to a high water intake. In these cases, limiting the amount of water you drink and/or increasing your sodium intake prevents future episodes of hyponatremia. Prescription medications--particularly diuretics--can cause the imbalance. The same is true of some recreational drugs, as well. Hormonal causes of hyponatremia include hypothyroidism, Addison's disease and syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone.
Symptoms
Early symptoms of this electrolyte imbalance include tiredness and lethargy, nausea and vomiting and headache. If untreated, hyponatremia progresses to confusion, muscle cramping, restlessness, loss of appetite and irritability. Symptoms of extreme hyponatremia include seizures, loss or decreased consciousness and even coma.
Diet
After the initial medical interventions for your hyponatremia, such as medication, hormone replacement and/or intravenous fluids, expect your doctor to discharge you with instructions to monitor your fluid and sodium intake. This is especially true with chronic underlying causes of hyponatremia. It is important for you to avoid consuming too much water in relation to your sodium intake. It may also be necessary for you to increase your dietary sodium.
Sodium-rich Foods
If you begin to experience the early symptoms of hyponatremia, you may need to increase your salt intake. High-sodium foods include milk, salted nuts, olives, pickles and snack crackers, chips and dip. Pretzels and salted popcorn are also high in sodium. Also, try canned or dried soups or bouillon, as well as tomato and vegetable juices and vegetables prepared with sauces. Sodium-rich protein choices include hot dogs, sausage, canned fish and meats, deli meats, peanut butter and Canadian and regular bacon.
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