Health Benefits of Sodium
September 14, 2009
Sodium is a mineral that is very vital to maintain the fluid balance of our body. Sodium is mostly found in the extra cellular fluid and it plays an important role in enzymatic activities.
It is also essential for regulating the muscular contractions. Excessive sodium in our diet may cause stomach cancer, high blood pressure, cerebral edema, hypertension etc while the deficiency may cause weight loss, low blood pressure, dizziness, weakness, diarrhea, vomiting, muscular irritability etc. Sodium helps to retain water with in the body.
Nutritional Sources of Sodium
The direct sources of sodium are common salt, cabbage, apple, pulses, bananas, egg yolk, carrot, leafy vegetables, dried peas etc. even sodium is available in baking soda and baking powder also. Other sources of sodium include pickles, smoked fish, processed cheese, snacks, sauce, salty meats etc.
Health Benefits of Sodium
On Brain
Sodium plays a major role in maintaining the health and development of the brain. Brain is found to be very sensitive to the level of sodium and any decrease in the amount of sodium may cause lethargy and confusion.
On Water Balance
Sodium regulates the water level in the body and it controls the level of extra cellular fluid with in the body by pumping water in to the cell. Sodium maintains a balance between chlorides and bicarbonates ions and thus regulates the positively and negatively charged ions properly with in the body.
On Muscle
Sodium has the powers to regulate the functions of the nerves and thus can control the contraction of the muscles. Deficiency of sodium may cause imbalance in electrolytes and also dehydration and may results in muscle cramps.
On Aging
Sodium has the powers to fight with the free radicals formed in the skin and can thus protect us from aging. Sodium can also prevent the sun stroke by replacing the essential electrolytes that are lost during heat prostration. Thus it helps to maintain the health of the skin and keeps our skin in good condition.
On Heart
Sodium can helps us by keeping our heart in good condition. Sodium aids in regulating the contractions of the heart muscles and will also control the blood pressure. It also helps us in removing the excess carbon dioxide accumulated with in the body.
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