There are more than 50 chemical elements that have been identified in the human body, which are required for growth, repair and regulation of vital body functions. These are divided into two categories – major minerals including calcium, phosphorus, sodium, potassium and magnesium and trace elements such as cooper, zinc, iron, iodine, cobalt chromium, selenium, nickel and tin. Sodium is a major mineral that is found in all the body fluids. The adult human body is made up of about 100 g of sodium ions of which about 50% is in the bones, 40% in extra cellular fluid and 10% in soft issues.
Sodium regulates the extra cellular fluid volumes and operates in all the cells of the human body. This is mechanism is ATP (adenosine triphosphate) dependent. Sodium is also important for the regulation of the acid base balance of the body.
It is lost from the body through urine and sweat. The sodium content which is flushed out in urine is regulated by the kidney but that which is lost by sweating is not controlled. When urine is found, original glomerular filtrate contains sodium in a quantity of 800 g on a daily basis out of which 99% is reabsorbed. Major quantities of sodium are absorbed in the proximal convoluted tubules. This is an active process. Water is also absorbed along with sodium.
In edema, along with water sodium content of the body is also increased. Sodium restriction in diet is advised to patients suffering from congestive cardiac failure and hypertension. In the early phases of congestive cardiac failure, hydrostatic pressure in venous side is increased so water is primarily retained in the body. This causes dilution of sodium concentration, which triggers aldosterone secretion. This is also known as secondary aldosterinosm.
Benefits
Man has been consuming sodium chloride or common salt since ages in food. Sodium is indispensable for life. It is a silver white, highly reactive alkaline, metallic element. It is soft and malleable in nature. It is found in the extra cellular fluid in the body.
Sodium is completely absorbed from the gastro intestinal track in the individual. Most of the mineral is excreted by urination but skin losses may also increase greatly during perspiration from strenuous exercises or labor or heat exhaustion. These losses may result in vomiting or diarrhea.
Sodium is the most abundant cation found in the body. It acts with other electrolytes particularly potassium to regulate osmotic pressure and maintains acid base equilibrium in transmitting nerve impulses and relaxing muscles.
It is required for glucose exhaustion in the muscles and for the transportation of other neurons in the body across cell membranes.
Sodium may fight collateral, langue and prostate cancers. It is used in the treatment of premature ageing, cardio vascular disease, sexual dysfunction and problems related to menopause.
Hypernetremin:
This is seen Cushing’s disease and in prolonged cortisone therapy. During pregnancy, steroid hormone calls sodium retention in the body. In dehydration the blood volume is increased with apparent increase in the concentration of sodium. The sodium level in serum is decreased in vomiting, diarrhea, burns, Addison’s disease and in renal tubular acidosis. In severe sweating, sodium may be loss considerably resulting in muscle cramps and headaches.
Requirement:
The requirement of sodium chloride depends upon various factors such as climates, occupation and physical activity levels of individuals. The Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) of sedum in adults is about 10 to 15 g per day. People engaged in hard-work will require a higher quantity of sodium.
RDA: man – 500 mg.
Women – 500 mg.
Children – 400 mg.
Before taking any nutritional supplements it is necessary for you to consult a registered medical practitioner in order to determine whether your body has a requirement for it or not. You must also may a note of various ailments or diseases you might be suffering from such as diabetes, heart-disease, hypertension, asthma, cancers etc. before taking any nutritional product. In case of feeling dizzy or nauseated, you must report to your doctor immediately.
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