For many people, following a low sodium diet is necessary to maintain health. And although it's important to keep your sodium levels within a healthy range, it can be dangerous if they drop too low. If you are diagnosed with low sodium, your physician might recommend a high sodium diet.
Hyponatremia
When blood concentration levels of sodium drop below the normal level of 135 mEq/L, the condition of hyponatremia develops. Sodium is an electrolyte that helps regulate the amount of water moving in and out of the body's tissues and cells. Sodium is necessary for proper functioning of the body's nerves and muscles. The condition can easily develop when you lose too much sodium through sweating, vomiting or diarrhea. It can also develop when you drink too much water, which dilutes the amount of sodium circulating in the blood. Hyponatremia can also be caused by a variety of medical conditions, including kidney disease, congestive heart failure, liver disease, adrenal gland insufficiency, hypothyroidism and dehydration. Certain medications and drugs can also encourage excessive loss of sodium.
High Sodium Drinks
Other than water and tea, most beverages are actually quite high in sodium. Milk and juice are among the healthier options for high-sodium drinks. Because milk can also be quite high in fat and cholesterol, opt for low-fat or skim milk. According to MayoClinic.com, one cup of low-fat milk contains about 107 mg of sodium. Adding a few spoonfuls of malted powder to that milk adds even more sodium to the drink. Check the nutrition label of various juices to find one high in sodium and relatively low in sugar. Typically, vegetable juices tend to be higher in sodium than fruit juices -- although fruit juices are still quite high in sodium. Sports drinks and soft drinks are another high-sodium beverage option. And if you are looking for a beverage to warm you up on a chilly day, consider enjoying a cup of high-sodium soup broth.
Other Considerations
When you are trying to increase your blood sodium concentrations, avoid drinking too many fluids. Although drinking water is essential for proper health, drinking too much water will only dilute your sodium levels. If you are trying to increase your sodium levels, you might be able to solve the problem with high-sodium foods. By combining these high-sodium foods with high-sodium beverages, you should be able to correct hyponatremia.
Dangers
When you are following a high sodium diet to correct your hyponatremia, consult your physician regularly. Typically, your physician will tell you how much sodium you should consume each day. If possible, avoid taking in more sodium than your physician recommends. Just as low blood sodium levels are dangerous, high blood sodium levels are also dangerous. High sodium levels have been linked to heart disease, kidney disease, congestive heart failure and stroke.
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