Your blood pressure is related to the level of sodium in your blood, but a lack of sodium in your diet will not lead to hypertension. A sodium deficiency is rarely caused by an inadequate diet, rather it is a metabolic disorder that affects your cellular sodium concentration.
Sodium and Hypertension
Although a lack of sodium in your diet does not result in hypertension, an excess in your diet does. Not only does a high-sodium diet result in an increase in blood pressure, it also increases your risk for developing heart disease and stroke. Due to this relationship, the American Heart Association recommends that you limit your intake of sodium to less than 1,500 mg per day. A true sodium deficiency is possible but unlikely because sodium is found in so many foods.
Low Blood Sodium
A lack of sodium in your blood is clinically named hyponatremia. This condition is an electrolyte disorder caused by congestive heat failure, burns, diarrhea, diuretic medications, kidney disease, liver disease, sweating, vomiting and inappropriate hormone secretion. According to Oregon State University, it is rarely caused by a low-sodium diet. If you suffer from this condition it does not result in hypertension, rather the symptoms include mental confusion, hallucinations, convulsions, fatigue, headache, irritability, a loss of appetite, muscle spasms, nausea and restlessness.
Sodium and Diet
The recommended dietary intake of sodium is 1.2 to 1.3 g per day for adults. Therefore if you consumed a level below this amount, for an extended period of time you could develop hyponatremia, but this is hard to do. Sodium is found in common foods such as table salt, processed meats, fast foods, breads, fruits, vegetables, milk and even water contains sodium. Therefore, if you eat any of these foods or drink water, you are getting sodium in your diet.
Considerations
Sodium is a mineral that your body needs each day. Therefore if you are concerned that your levels are too low, talk to your doctor about having your levels checked to see if you suffer from hyponatremia. If you have hypertension, it is not a result of a sodium deficiency and may be related to other health factors such as the condition of your kidneys, nervous system or blood vessels.
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