Sodium Imbalance In The Body

2024 Author: Jasmine Walkman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 08:29

An adult's body contains approximately 100 g of sodium (Na), about 40-45% of which is found in bone tissue. Sodium is the main cation of the extracellular fluid, which contains about 50% of it, and its concentration in the cell is much lower.

Sodium regulates the osmotic pressure of extracellular and intracellular fluids, maintains the ionic balance of the body's internal environment, retains water in tissues and promotes swelling of tissue colloids, participates in the appearance of nerve impulses and affects the functional state of the cardiovascular system.

There is a mechanism in the cells that ensures the excretion (release) of Na + ions and the absorption of K + ions. As a result of the action of the so-called potassium-sodium pump, a difference in the concentrations of these ions in the cell membrane is obtained.

Sodium is involved in conducting excitation in nerve and muscle cells, in the formation of an alkaline reserve of blood and in the transport of hydrogen ions. Sodium is also needed for bone formation. It has a number of regulatory effects: increasing the intracellular concentration of sodium improves the transport of glucose in the cell, the transport of amino acids in the cells is also dependent on it.

Sodium ions enter the body with food, their absorption occurs mainly in the small intestine. Sodium is eliminated from the body mainly in the urine, a small amount is excreted in sweat, 2-3% in the feces. In healthy people it is almost impossible to reach excess accumulation of sodium in the body. Sodium balance depends mainly on renal function, aldosterone secretion from the adrenal cortex, the work of the central endocrine and nervous systems and the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract.

The concentration of sodium in the blood, compared to other electrolytes, is maintained in a much narrower range. The maintenance of the concentration of Na in the blood plasma is a result of the combined action of many factors: the hypothalamus, the pituitary and the pineal gland, the adrenal glands, the kidneys, the atrial wall. Increased or decreased Na content in the vessels determines the increase in the volume of circulating blood or the release of water into the intercellular space (edema).

Sodium imbalance in the body is divided into two categories:

- hypernatremia - excess sodium

- hyponatremia - sodium deficiency

Both conditions of sodium imbalance in the body have adverse effects on the human body.

The main manifestations of hypernatremia are:

- swelling;

- swelling;

- high blood pressure;

In acute hypernatremia:

- neurological symptoms;

- nausea, vomiting;

- convulsions;

- coma;

- disorders of thermoregulation.

In hyponatremia appear:

- headache;

- dizziness;

- fatigue

- muscle cramps.

- nausea, vomiting;

In severe hyponatremia:

- convulsions;

- cerebral edema;

- coma.

Causes of sodium imbalance

The accumulation of Na in the blood it can be a consequence of both a decrease in the body's water content and an excess of sodium. Hypernatremia is observed in:

- limited water intake, dehydration;

- increased sodium intake with food or medication;

- lack of potassium;

- hormone therapy (corticosteroids, androgens, estrogens, ACTH);

- impaired renal function;

- prolonged vomiting and diarrhea without hydration;

- a state of heavy sweating;

- hyperfunction of the adrenal cortex;

- certain endocrine diseases (Itsenko-Cushing's disease, Cushing's syndrome, lack of ADH or resistance to it, disturbance of processes in the brain of the hypothalamic region).

Hyponatremia or sodium deficiency develops in different conditions:

- Insufficient (less than 8-6 g per day) sodium intake in the body due to starvation or a salt-free diet;

- prolonged diarrhea and / or vomiting;

- excessive sweating;

- the use of diuretics: most of these drugs activate the excretion of Na in the urine;

- extensive burns;

- kidney disease accompanied by sodium loss;

- diabetes mellitus - the presence of ketoacidosis is accompanied by increased loss of Na;

- hypothyroidism;

- adrenal insufficiency;

- in congestive heart failure due to decreased blood flow through the kidneys;

- endocrine diseases (hypocorticism, vasopressin secretion disorders);

- cirrhosis of the liver, liver failure;

- presence of ileostomy;

- primary adrenal insufficiency (Addison's disease) - it is accompanied by very low aldosterone secretion, a significant amount of Na is excreted in the urine.

When should we test for sodium in the blood?

- kidney disease;

- diabetes;

- heart failure;

- liver failure;

- endocrine disorders;

- disorders of the digestive tract (diarrhea, vomiting);

- the use of diuretics;

- signs of dehydration or swelling;

- salt-free diet

- excessive salt intake.

Sodium balance regulation in the body depends on the causes that caused it. In the presence of provoking diseases, their timely and accurate treatment is important. Doctors may prescribe diuretics or other medications to expel excess fluids or electrolytes from the body. In such cases, dietary adjustments, especially without consulting a doctor, are unlikely to help.

If the lack of sodium is due to vomiting, diarrhea or excessive sweating, it is important both to drink fluids and to get the necessary electrolytes.

If there is no disease, then attention should be paid to diet, salt consumption and hydration of the body. The use of salt in food should be measured - neither excessive intake nor refusal of salt are good for the human body.

See also the advantages of unsalted dairy products, as well as in which unsalted foods there is hidden salt.