Sodium

What does it do?

Sodium maintains the body’s water balance, preventing dehydration, it helps nerve functioning, is used in muscle contraction including heart muscle, utilised in energy production and helps move nutrients into cells.

Deficiency Signs

In the case of sodium, there is more of a concern with toxicity from excess than with deficiencies. Most people consume excess sodium. Deficiency signs are; Dizziness, heat exhaustion, low blood pressure, rapid pulse, mental apathy, loss of appetite, muscle cramps, nausea, vomiting, reduced body weight, headache.

Food Sources of Sodium

Salt, Sauerkraut, olives, shrimps, miso, beetroot, ham, celery, cabbage, crab, cottage cheese, watercress, red kidney beans.

Best Supplement

None needed, Plentiful in food. 

What Helps Sodium in our Bodies?

Vitamin D

What Robs our Bodies of Sodium?

Potassium and chloride counteract sodium, to keep a balance in the body.