Sodium is an essential mineral that plays a critical role in maintaining various bodily functions. Here are some of the key roles of sodium in the human body:
Regulates Fluid Balance: Sodium helps regulate the balance of fluids both inside and outside of our cells. It helps maintain the proper volume of fluids in our blood and tissues and plays a critical role in preventing dehydration.
Supports Nerve and Muscle Function: Sodium plays an essential role in the communication between nerve cells and muscle cells. It helps transmit electrical impulses throughout the body, which is critical for muscle contraction and nerve function.
Helps Maintain Blood Pressure: Sodium works in conjunction with other minerals like potassium to regulate blood pressure. It plays a critical role in maintaining the proper balance of fluids in our blood vessels, which is necessary for healthy blood pressure levels.
Supports Nutrient Absorption: Sodium helps the body absorb important nutrients like glucose and amino acids in the small intestine.
Balances pH levels: Sodium works with other electrolytes to help maintain a healthy pH balance in the body.
It’s worth noting that while sodium is essential for optimal health, excessive intake of sodium can lead to health problems such as high blood pressure, fluid retention, and kidney disease. Therefore, it is important to consume sodium in moderation and in balance with other nutrients.
What happens when sodium levels are high in the body?
When sodium levels in the body are high, a condition known as hypernatremia can occur. Hypernatremia is defined as a serum sodium concentration greater than 145 mEq/L (milliequivalent per liter).
Some of the symptoms of hypernatremia include:
Thirst and dry mouth
Restlessness and irritability
Fatigue and weakness
Confusion and disorientation
Seizures
Coma
High sodium levels in the blood can cause the body to lose water, which leads to dehydration. This can happen due to a variety of reasons, including excessive sodium intake, kidney problems, and certain medications.
In severe cases, hypernatremia can lead to life-threatening complications, such as brain swelling, seizures, and even death. Therefore, it is important to monitor sodium levels in the body and seek medical attention if you experience any symptoms of hypernatremia.
What are natural ways to reduce increased level of sodium in the body?
If you have a high level of sodium in your body, there are several natural ways to help reduce it:
Increase water intake: Drinking plenty of water can help flush excess sodium out of your body.
Eat more fruits and vegetables: Fruits and vegetables are high in potassium, which helps counteract the effects of sodium. Additionally, they are low in sodium themselves, making them a healthy addition to any diet.
Reduce sodium intake: Avoid processed and packaged foods, as they are often high in sodium. Instead, focus on preparing fresh foods at home and seasoning them with herbs and spices instead of salt.
Exercise regularly: Exercise helps increase blood flow and promote fluid balance in the body, which can help reduce sodium levels.
Increase calcium intake: Calcium can help reduce the absorption of sodium in the body, so consuming foods rich in calcium such as milk, cheese, yogurt, and leafy greens can be helpful.
Manage stress: Chronic stress can lead to increased sodium levels in the body, so finding ways to manage stress such as meditation or yoga can be beneficial.
It’s important to remember that reducing sodium levels in the body is a gradual process and requires consistent effort. Additionally, if you have any underlying health conditions or are taking medications, it’s essential to speak with a healthcare professional before making any significant changes to your diet or exercise routine.
Herbs for reducing high sodium levels
There are several herbs that can help reduce high sodium levels in the body. Here are a few examples:
Dandelion: Dandelion is a natural diuretic that can help increase urine production and flush out excess sodium from the body.
Garlic: Garlic has been shown to help reduce blood pressure and improve heart health, which can be beneficial in reducing sodium levels.
Ginger: Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties and can help reduce inflammation in the body, which can lead to a reduction in sodium levels.
Turmeric: Turmeric contains curcumin, which has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It can help reduce inflammation in the body, which can help reduce sodium levels.
Parsley: Parsley is a natural diuretic that can help increase urine production and flush out excess sodium from the body.
Cilantro: Cilantro has been shown to help lower blood pressure and reduce inflammation, which can be beneficial in reducing sodium levels.
It’s important to note that while herbs can be a helpful addition to a healthy diet, they should not be used as a replacement for medical treatment. Additionally, if you have any underlying health conditions or are taking medications, it’s essential to speak with a healthcare professional before incorporating herbs into your diet.
10 Acupuncture points with details for high level of sodium in the body as per Chinese medicine
Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine practice that involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body. While there is limited research on the use of acupuncture for high levels of sodium in the body, here are ten acupuncture points that may be targeted according to traditional Chinese medicine:
Large Intestine 4 (Hegu): Located on the hand between the thumb and index finger, this point is believed to help regulate fluid balance in the body.
Stomach 36 (Zusanli): Located on the lower leg, this point is believed to help regulate blood pressure and fluid balance in the body.
Kidney 1 (Yongquan): Located on the sole of the foot, this point is believed to help regulate fluid balance in the body and support kidney function.
Spleen 9 (Yinlingquan): Located on the lower leg, this point is believed to help regulate fluid balance in the body and support spleen function.
Liver 3 (Taichong): Located on the top of the foot between the big toe and second toe, this point is believed to help regulate fluid balance in the body and support liver function.
Pericardium 6 (Neiguan): Located on the wrist, this point is believed to help regulate blood pressure and promote fluid balance in the body.
Bladder 23 (Shenshu): Located on the lower back, this point is believed to support kidney function and help regulate fluid balance in the body.
Heart 7 (Shenmen): Located on the wrist, this point is believed to help regulate blood pressure and promote fluid balance in the body.
Conception Vessel 6 (Qihai): Located on the lower abdomen, this point is believed to help regulate fluid balance in the body and support kidney function.
Du Vessel 20 (Baihui): Located on the top of the head, this point is believed to help regulate blood pressure and promote fluid balance in the body.
Dr Neeraj Kaushik, Founder Kaushik Acupuncture