Salt, or sodium, is an electrolyte that assists in regulating water in your body. It is found, primarily, in body fluids outside cells and plays an important role in your blood pressure. Additionally, it is required for your nerves and muscles. If your body does not have enough sodium, you may experience various symptoms and, in some rare cases, suffer serious injury.
Increase Risk of Heart Attack
A study reported in the "Journal of the American Medical Association" suggest that low salt intake may increase a person's risk of dying from a heart attack or stroke. The study included 3,681 people in Europe. Those consuming the least amount of salt saw their chances of dying from a heart attack or stroke rise 56 percent. The researchers pointed out that a low-salt diet is still preferred for those with hypertension.
Abnormal Mental Status
If sodium levels become low enough, a person may suffer from hyponatremia. Staff at the Mayo Clinic warn that someone suffering from hyponatremia may experience cognitive changes including confusion, decreased consciousness, hallucinations and even possible coma. Basically, when the cells in the brain do not have enough sodium, they can fail to function properly as they swell with water.
Seizures
A possible symptom of hyponatremia, when sodium levels in the body are too low, is seizures. Seizures can occur when, as a result of not being surrounded by enough sodium, cells in the brain swell with water. In some cases, the swelling can be so severe as to cause too much pressure in the skull. The overload of pressure on the brain can lead to seizures.
Fatigue
The American Association for Clinical Chemistry points out that low levels of sodium can result in feelings of fatigue and weakness. This is a result of the cells of both the nervous system and the muscles becoming swelled to the point that they can no longer properly function. Fatigue and weakness can be dangerous as it often results in a loss of balance and a fall is possible. Worst case scenarios of fatigue and weakness may result in coma.
