Table salt is composed of two important minerals: sodium and chloride. Sodium and chloride bind together as table salt because sodium has a positive charge and chloride has a negative charge. In the body, the minerals are separated and have important roles. Sodium and chloride are needed for health, but excessive salt can also make certain medical conditions worse. However, salt does not produce an allergy. It is important to consult with a physician for the diagnosis and treatment of disorders.
Sodium Chloride in the Body
The body is composed primarily of water. Table salt dissolves in the body and is distributed to the various fluid compartments, such as inside the blood vessels, outside the blood vessels and inside cells. The concentration of the positively charged sodium inside of cells is significantly lower than outside of blood vessels. This relationship between the two concentrations is important for electrical conduction, especially for the heart, muscles and nerves. Chloride is negatively charged and balances the positive charges from other electrolytes and acid in the body. Since both of these electrolytes are crucial for proper cellular functioning and life, the body does not produce an allergy to them.
Allergies
An allergy is an adverse immune reaction to a substance. These are also known as hypersensitivity reactions. They can involve immune cells and immune system proteins mounting an exaggerated response to a chemical. Symptoms can include mild to severe skin irritation or damage, swelling, difficulty breathing and, in the most severe case, a profound drop in blood pressure that leads to death if not rapidly treated. The immune system does not attack sodium or chloride.
Effects and Side Effects
An allergy is not the same as a side effect. Drugs, foods and other chemicals can cause allergies in some cases. In other cases, they may be causing a side effect. These side effects are usually not mediated by the immune system and do not produce an allergic response.
Disorders
The sodium in table salt can promote fluid retention. As such, excessive sodium can increase the blood pressure. Over time, this can lead to organ damage, such as heart disease, kidney disease and brain damage. Table salt can also worsen certain medical conditions. In congestive heart failure, salt increases fluid in the blood vessels and decreases the ability of the heart to pump blood.
References
- “Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease”; Vinay Kumar, et al.; 2009
- “Harrison’s Principles of Internal Medicine”; Anthony S Fauci, et al.; 2008
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