Your guide to Sodium.
Understand the role of Sodium in your health and longevity with Mito Health's comprehensive biomarker analysis. Our detailed reports cover key biomarkers, providing essential insights to help you make informed decisions for a healthier, longer life.
What is Sodium?
Sodium is a major electrolyte in our body, which are minerals that are electrically charged. It is essential for life and is a key part of many processes throughout our body, including cellular and nerve communication as well as maintaining fluid balance.
High sodium levels occur most commonly in dehydration where there is inadequate intake or too much water loss. Low sodium levels can occur if there is intake of too much water (dilution of sodium levels), with the use of certain medications and in diseases such as heart and kidney failure, amongst others.
What does it assess?
Sodium levels are closely tied to health outcomes, primarily through its influence on blood pressure.
High sodium intake is linked to an increased risk of hypertension (high blood pressure), which is a major risk factor for heart disease, stroke, and kidney problems.
Conversely, low sodium levels, though less common in most diets, can lead to symptoms like muscle cramps, dizziness, and in severe cases, hyponatremia, which can be life-threatening.
Balancing sodium intake is crucial for maintaining healthy blood pressure levels and reducing the risk of chronic diseases, thus promoting a longer and healthier lifespan.
How do I optimize my Sodium levels?
Limit processed and packaged foods, which are typically high in added sodium. Instead, prioritize whole foods, and season meals with herbs and spices for flavor.
Aim to consume sodium in a balanced amount, generally keeping intake below 2,300 mg per day, unless otherwise advised by a healthcare provider.
Proper hydration helps the kidneys balance sodium by adjusting its excretion according to fluid intake. Drink adequate water daily based on your activity level, climate, and health needs.
In some cases, both dehydration and overhydration can affect sodium levels, so finding a balanced water intake is key.
Potassium and sodium work together to maintain cellular and fluid balance. Increasing your intake of potassium-rich foods can help support healthy blood pressure and counterbalance sodium's effects on fluid retention.
What do high and low Sodium levels mean?
High sodium levels can lead to symptoms such as thirst, confusion, restlessness, muscle twitching, and in severe cases, neurological symptoms like seizures. High sodium may strain the kidneys and increase blood pressure, so maintaining hydration and moderate sodium intake is important for preventing hypernatremia.
Low sodium can cause symptoms such as nausea, headache, fatigue, confusion, and in severe cases, seizures or coma. Hyponatremia may be due to excessive water intake, certain medications, heart or kidney disease, or conditions that alter ADH levels.
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