Do Our Bodies Need Sodium?

Sodium is an electrolyte people need daily in small amounts. The normal range for sodium levels in the blood is 135 to 145 milliequivalents per liter. Medical conditions, medications, diet, age, illness and trauma can affect sodium levels. When sodium levels are not stable, serious complications may occur.

Functions of Sodium in the Body

Sodium helps regulate the amount of water in your cells and the overall fluid balance in the body. As blood volume increases, the kidneys increase the excretion of sodium, which reduces fluid levels. The electrolyte assists with maintaining normal blood pressure. High intake of sodium increases blood pressure. Consuming smaller amounts of sodium can help lower blood pressure. Maintaining a normal blood pressure helps reduce the risk of serious medical conditions such as kidney disease and heart disease. Sodium also helps nerves and muscles in the body work properly.

Functions of Sodium in Food

Although the body needs sodium to work properly, small amounts of dietary sodium are all the body needs. Many processed foods contain large amounts of sodium. Although the body only needs 200 mg of the electrolyte each day, the average American eats approximately 3,400 mg of sodium each day, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2010. Foods high in sodium include processed meats, breads and cheeses. The sodium used in manufacturing these products helps inhibit food-borne pathogens from growing, bind ingredients to stabilize the food and enhance colors. Looking for low- or no-sodium alternatives can help you reduce dietary sodium intake.

Hyponatremia

Hyponatremia occurs when sodium levels in the body drop below 135 milliequivalents per liter. Low-sodium diets, increased sweating, vomiting, diarrhea, kidney disease, medications, increased age and heart failure can all cause decreased sodium levels. A chronic form of hyponatremia causes sodium levels to drop slowly and may not cause noticeable symptoms. A rapid decrease in sodium causes severe symptoms and can be fatal. As sodium levels drop, symptoms such as headache, nausea, restlessness, fatigue, confusion and a decreased level of consciousness can occur. Without treatment, a person can develop a coma or die. Treatments for low sodium levels depend on the severity of the condition and the cause of the hyponatremia. Treatments for minor hyponatremia include altering the amount of salt a person eats and the amount of water she drinks. More severe hyponatremia may require medications and intravenous fluid.

Hypernatremia

Having too much sodium in the blood—also referred to as hypernatremia—is typically a result of dehydration. Conditions such as vomiting, diarrhea, kidney dysfunction and the use of diuretics can cause dehydration. The main symptom of hypernatremia is severe thirst, because the body tries to dilute the sodium concentration. Without treatment, confusion, seizures and death may occur. Intravenous fluid replacement is the treatment for hypernatremia.