The two minerals sodium and chloride together form the salt sodium chloride, which is used as table salt as well as table salt in nutrition. Sodium and chloride are responsible for the conduction of stimuli along nerves. In addition, both maintain the function of the cell membrane and the activation of numerous enzymes. Sodium, along with potassium, regulates fluid balance in the body and therefore blood pressure.
Sodium and chloride in foods
Sodium and chloride are primarily found naturally in table salt and instant soups, but also in ham, sausages, smoked pork, soft and hard cheeses, or vegetables such as spinach, pickled olives, and carrots. Due to the high salt content of Western cuisine, most people consume too much sodium, which is why the daily sodium dose of 550 mg is often exceeded. This dose of sodium is contained in:
- 40 g limburger
- 50 g hard cheese
- 50 g cooked ham
- 1 liter whole milk
- 700 g meat
- 750 g carrots or spinach
Sodium in the body
About 70 to 100 g of sodium are stored in the human body. Of this, a good third is in the bones and can thus be released into the blood when needed. Probably the most important function of this mineral is the regulation of water balance together with potassium. Both too much and too little water in the body is very dangerous for humans, which is why sodium is important for a balanced distribution of water.
Sodium also plays a significant role in acid-base balance. Due to their electrical charge, sodium particles also have a great influence on the conduction of stimuli along nerves, as well as muscle work and heart rhythm.
Compensate for sodium deficiency in the blood
Sodium deficiency is very rare, because sodium is present in practically all foods of daily diet. However, heavy sweating, vomiting and persistent diarrhea can cause a sodium deficiency in the blood. This is usually manifested by a drop in blood pressure associated with symptoms such as dizziness, headache, nausea and a feeling of weakness.
A lack of sodium and chloride can lead to cramps and even circulatory failure. By treating gastrointestinal symptoms or avoiding sweating while eating a balanced diet containing salt, a sodium deficiency is usually quickly corrected.
Overdose and oversupply of sodium
Sodium oversupply is easier to maintain than sodium deficiency by consuming foods high in salt. However, this sodium oversupply rarely causes problems in healthy people. Possible symptoms of sodium overdose are edema, irritability, restlessness, fatigue, thirst or dizziness. In patients with kidney damage (renal insufficiency), however, hypertension may result, which can have far-reaching consequences for health.
