THE SURPRISING BENEFITS of SODIUM 

WHAT IS SODIUM?

The mineral sodium, sometimes known as salt, is essential for preserving the body’s overall health and functionality. Along with potassium, calcium, and magnesium, it is regarded as one of the necessary electrolytes. Vegetables, dairy products, and meats are just a few of the whole foods that naturally contain this mineral. Furthermore, sodium is purposefully added to a variety of packaged and processed foods to improve their flavour and shelf life. Its relevance stems from its function as an electrolyte, which supports nerve signal transmission, regulates fluid equilibrium within the body, and is necessary for healthy muscle contractions. But excessive sodium consumption has caused some concern, mainly because of the link it has to high blood pressure, which raises the risk of cardiovascular illnesses.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF SODIUM?

Sodium, which is sometimes advised to be consumed in moderation due to possible health dangers, really has several important advantages for the body. It is essential for maintaining several essential physiological processes. Although it’s crucial to consume sodium in moderation, it’s also crucial to recognise and value the benefits it offers to our general health and wellbeing. Here are a few advantages of sodium:

• Electrolyte Balance: According to research published in magazines like “Nutrients” and “American Journal of Physiology,” sodium plays a crucial role in preserving the body’s electrolyte equilibrium. The presence of sodium helps to guarantee that electrically charged particles are appropriately distributed throughout cells and tissues, along with other electrolytes like potassium, calcium, and magnesium. For many physiological functions, this equilibrium is essential. Sodium helps to control fluid balance, which is essential for keeping the body well hydrated. Scientific investigations have shown that it helps to retain water by minimising excessive loss through urine or sweat. According to numerous studies, this is especially important for preserving blood pressure and promoting cardiovascular health. According to research, salt facilitates electrolyte balance, which is necessary for nerve cells to carry electrical signals, enabling coordinated muscle contractions, including the heart’s rhythmic beating.
• Nervous System Function: According to considerable neuroscience research, including articles from journals like “Neuron” and “Journal of Neurophysiology,” salt plays a crucial role in the healthy operation of the nervous system. To produce electrical impulses, nerve cells, or neurons, need sodium ions to flow through their cell membranes. Action potentials are the fundamental units of information transmission throughout the nervous system. Scientific studies have shown that the efficient transmission of nerve impulses controls sensory perception, motor abilities, and almost all body reactions. For this communication to be precise and effective, salt levels must be adequate. Thus, as suggested by research results, sodium is not only involved in fundamental biological processes but also contributes to cognitive functioning, memory, and the capacity to react to external stimuli.

• Cardiovascular Health: According to studies in the “American Journal of Physiology-Heart and Circulatory Physiology” and other pertinent journals and sources, salt is essential for muscle contractions, a process that includes the heart in addition to skeletal muscles. Sodium ions flow into the muscle cells to start the contraction process when a nerve impulse causes a muscle to contract. Studies have demonstrated that sodium plays a particularly important role in the heart because it controls the rhythm and force of each heartbeat. The heart beats regularly and pumps blood effectively throughout the body when salt levels are appropriate. Scientific studies have shown that this function is essential for both cardiovascular health and total muscular functioning. However, research findings show that maintaining the proper balance of sodium is crucial for preventing muscular cramps and spasms as well as for maintaining the structural integrity of the heart.

Despite the fact that these benefits are important for overall health, it is crucial to take sodium in moderation. Consuming too much sodium is associated with health hazards, particularly high blood pressure and cardiovascular issues. People can take advantage of these advantages while lowering potential health concerns by following a balanced sodium intake plan that is advised by medical specialists or certified dietitians.

HOW DOES SODIUM WORK IN HUMAN BODY?

When sodium is consumed, it goes through a process that is essential for maintaining healthy physiological activities. The fundamental function of sodium as an electrolyte is to conduct electrical signals, which are needed for the conduction of nerve impulses and the contraction of muscles. Sodium enters the bloodstream through the digestive system after ingestion.

Once ingested, it aids in fluid balance regulation by luring and holding onto water molecules. This procedure is necessary to maintain optimum amounts of hydration and to give cells the right conditions for maximum performance. Sodium not only helps to maintain fluid balance but also significantly helps to control blood pressure.

By altering the amount of blood in the circulatory system, it does this. The presence of sodium in the bloodstream promotes water retention, which raises blood volume. Blood pressure increases as a result. The production of hormones like aldosterone, which affects sodium balance by influencing its reabsorption and excretion in the kidneys, is one of the strategies the body uses to control sodium levels. In order to ensure that organs and tissues receive enough oxygen and nutrients, this complex system aids in keeping blood pressure within a healthy range.

In addition, sodium has an impact that goes beyond blood pressure control and neuron and muscle function. Numerous cellular processes, such as the movement of nutrients and the preservation of cell membrane integrity, depend on it. An ideal internal environment for cells and tissues is created by sodium in combination with other electrolytes, such as potassium. This fine electrolyte balance is crucial for overall health because it guarantees that critical body processes, such as nerve signalling, muscle contractions, and nutrition absorption, take place effectively and without hindrance.

HOW MUCH SODIUM CAN A PERSON TAKE?

The recommended daily salt intake has been the subject of ongoing debate and research, and it varies depending on the source and health organisation. To control blood pressure, health professionals have long suggested decreasing sodium consumption. The Institute of Medicine (IOM) recommends that healthy persons limit their sodium intake to no more than 2,300 mg (2.3 grammes), or about one teaspoon, per day. The IOM asserts that a lower goal of 1,500 mg (1.5 grammes) per day would be even more advantageous for controlling blood pressure. These suggestions are supported by research showing that consuming more sodium than 2,300 mg daily might negatively affect blood pressure and raise the risk of heart disease.

It’s crucial to remember that not everyone will benefit from rigorous sodium restriction, and there is ongoing dispute on the efficacy of low-sodium diets for people with normal blood pressure. According to some studies, restricting sodium consumption too much in healthy people may not be beneficial and may even be harmful. Additionally, due to increased sodium loss through sweat, people who are very active, such as competitive sports or people who are exposed to the heat, may need a greater sodium intake.

Therefore, it’s important to consider individual aspects, such as general health and activity levels, while figuring out the right daily sodium consumption. However, the particular daily salt intake might vary depending on a number of factors and should be adapted to individual needs and circumstances, even if suggested sodium limits are in place to regulate blood pressure and lower the risk of heart disease.

WHAT ARE THE VARIATIONS OF SODIUM?

Note that Sodium is also available as:

• Sodium Bicarbonate (Sodium Hydrogen Carbonate) Nutrition Grade (~27% Na)
• Sodium Carbonate Anhydrous Fine Granular Nutrition Grade (~43% Na)
• Sodium Chloride (Pink Himalayan Salt) Fine Granular Nutrition Grade (~39% Na)
• Sodium Chloride (Salt) Nutrition Grade (~39% Na)
• Sodium Chloride (Sea Salt) Fine Granular Nutrition Grade (~39% Na)
• Sodium Sulphate Anhydrous Nutrition Grade (~32% Na)
• Trisodium Citrate Dihydrate Nutrition Grade (~34% Na)
• Trisodium Phosphate Anhydrous Nutrition Grade (~42% Na)
• Disodium Phosphate Anyhdrous Nutrition Grade (~32% Na)

Sodium is commonly available in:

• Sodium tablets
• Sodium capsules
• Sodium powders
• Sodium effervescent tablets
• Sodium chewables

Glentworth Formulations is here to suit your every need. Everything from Tablets, Capsules and Powder blends.

If you are wanting to know more information, please get in contact with us. Either using the contact form or contacting us directly on: enquiries@glentworthformulations.com.