In the body of any living creature, there is a macrocell sodium. It is so important for an individual that health and life expectancy depend on him to a greater extent. What processes are responsible for sodium in the human body? Its role in the functioning of vital systems will be discussed in this article.
Description
Sodium is a very soft metal entering the alkaline group. It has a silver-white color, has activity, is rapidly oxidized in air. It is found mainly in the form of compounds in nature. In 1807, it was first obtained in pure form. This metal is endowed with interesting physical and chemical properties. It melts at a temperature of less than 100 degrees.
When heated under high pressure, it turns red, like a ruby. Sodium is lighter than water and reacts violently with it with the release of a large amount of heat and hydrogen.
The role of sodium for the individual
When sodium enters the human body, it is rapidly absorbed. The process begins in the stomach, but the main assimilation of the element occurs in the small intestine. Its ions trap water molecules inside the digestive tract, causing food to swell. The digestibility of the mineral is controlled by the thyroid gland. If its work is disturbed, it remains in the tissues and is not delivered to the cells. This macrocell regulates very important cellular processes in the body:
- transmission of nerve impulses;
- osmotic pressure in liquid media;
- carbon dioxide transportation;
- controls the level of acidity;
- normalizes the water-salt balance;
- activates enzymes, especially digestive;
- facilitates the transport of nutrients.
In the human body, sodium contains about 100 g, of which approximately 40% is found in cartilage and bones. In smaller amounts, it is present in the lymph and blood, as well as in the mucous membranes, saliva, brain, bile, kidneys and liver. In extracellular fluids, half of all sodium is concentrated, where it is the most representative element and, along with chlorine ions, ensures the stability of the osmotic pressure. Being inside the cell together with magnesium and calcium, it acts as a mediator of cellular excitation and provides neuromuscular regulation.
Sodium is excreted from the human body up to 90% with urine, feces and sweat.
Daily sodium requirement
The main supplier of sodium (daily dose does not exceed 4-6 g) is table salt. If you use it daily from 10 to 15 grams, then this will be quite enough. With increased sweating in hot weather, increased physical activity, the need for sodium increases. And it is necessary to reduce its quantity:
- with impaired renal and liver function;
- bone fractures;
- allergic reactions;
- obesity;
- high blood pressure;
- taking drugs containing hormones;
- diseases of the pancreas and stomach.
You should always remember that excessive salt intake, which exceeds 20-30 grams per day, can cause an excess of sodium and lead to serious problems.
Sodium deficiency
Insufficient content of macronutrient occurs infrequently. A person encounters this phenomenon in the following cases:
- prolonged fasting;
- adherence to a strict diet;
- constant intake of diuretics;
- hard physical work;
- lingering diarrhea;
- repeated vomiting;
- heavy sweating;
- uncontrolled intake of potassium and calcium;
- severe blood loss;
- kidney disease.
In this case, the lack of sodium salts in the human body adversely affects his condition and is manifested by the following symptoms:
- severe weakness and increased fatigue;
- cramps
- dizziness
- rashes on the skin and hair loss;
- lack of appetite, nausea, vomiting;
- intense thirst.
Short-term lack of sodium is not dangerous for the human body and does not cause serious consequences. A prolonged deficiency of a macronutrient can be accompanied by hallucinations and impaired consciousness, interruptions in the functioning of the vestibular apparatus. In this case, it is washed out of the bones, which leads to their destruction.
It should be remembered that sodium in the human body is not independently produced, therefore, it is possible to compensate for its loss only through food products that must be selected correctly.
Indications for sodium
In some situations, doctors prescribe it to the patient to replenish the balance of the macrocell. This is necessary when required:
- restore the water-salt balance during dehydration;
- rinse the mucous membranes of the nasal cavity with inflammation of the maxillary sinuses, allergies, acute respiratory viral infections;
- make inhalation of the upper respiratory tract;
- revive the plasma volume lost during burns and operations;
- improve the condition of the patient with impaired renal and adrenal function;
- conduct antibacterial treatment of wounds;
- rinse with poisoning.
Sodium metabolism in the human body
In the regulation of water-electrolyte and acid-base balance, the main role is played by metabolic processes associated with sodium and potassium. These macronutrients are found in sufficient quantities in food. And the problems with them are often associated not with their lack, but with an imbalance. This occurs in the following cases:
- Immense intake of fluid without salt. Perhaps the development of water poisoning. Cramps are characteristic of him.
- The introduction of a large volume of saline in case of poisoning and large blood loss. Swelling of the limbs occurs, and pulmonary edema is possible.
- Uncontrolled eating of pickles without fresh water or drinking seawater, which contains a large amount of sodium. Possible death.
- Diarrhea and vomiting are the most common causes of dehydration. The kidneys stop working if water and salt do not come from outside.
- Loss of fluid is not compensated - they did not drink water after a strong perspiration, they forgot to drink a weak patient.
Excess salt is just as harmful as a deficiency. It upsets the balance between potassium and sodium cations. Excess sodium leads to potassium deficiency. And this is manifested by changes in the heart muscle and impaired renal function.
Excess sodium
The main reason for the overabundance of the sodium macroelement is its excessive consumption with food. But its content may increase in the following situations:
- diabetes mellitus;
- poor kidney function;
- stressful situations;
- long-term treatment with corticosteroids.
The negative effect of sodium on the human body is accompanied by a number of adverse effects and leads to serious ailments:
- increase in blood pressure;
- nervousness and hyperactivity;
- swelling;
- nervous disorders;
- muscle cramps;
- allergic reactions.
Excessive sodium is very dangerous for brain tissue and causes increased nervous excitability, confusion, and in extreme cases - to whom. Fans of salty foods are advised to replace table salt with sea salt. It has a strong taste, so consumption will be reduced by almost half. In addition, it contains salts of other metals, including potassium. And as you know, potassium and sodium in the human body balance each other.
Sources of Sodium
Undoubtedly, the main source of sodium is salt. This is the most common food seasoning a person consumes daily. Daily use is limited to one teaspoon. Therefore, unlike animals, humans rarely experience a lack of sodium. Animals receive this macrocell only from food, and sometimes, in order to maintain the necessary balance, they are periodically fed with salt. A person often suffers from an overabundance of this spice, so salt-free diets are increasingly being used. And the saturation of sodium chloride in the human body occurs due to the use of the following products in the diet:
- carrots and beets;
- legumes;
- seafood;
- various cereals;
- offal - brain and kidney;
- red tomatoes;
- dairy products;
- herbs - celery, dandelion, chicory, artichoke.
People leading an active lifestyle have large losses of sodium, which are excreted with sweat. It is quite possible to replenish them by eating properly and eating the above products.
Food you should refrain from
Some foods contain a very large amount of salt, and their use should preferably be limited. These include:
- all sausages, boiled pork, ham;
- pickled, canned vegetables and pickles;
- sauces - mayonnaise, ketchup, soy vinegar;
- cheese;
- salted and dried fish;
- crackers and nuts with salt, chips;
- baking soda and confectionery products with its addition.
Sodium for Athletes
In sports circles there is much debate about the benefits of sodium. The inclusion of salt in the diet gives athletes the following benefits:
- Increases blood circulation. A cocktail with salt, drunk before training, stimulates blood flow, improves muscle nutrition.
- Improves the delivery of the necessary substances. Sodium increases the rate of metabolic processes and transports nutrients to the muscles.
- Positive effect on the nervous system. When generating an impulse, nerve fibers energetically use potassium and sodium. Muscle growth is observed under the influence of nerves. The assimilation of nutrients and the removal of decomposition products.
- One of the functions of sodium in the human body is to increase thirst. With an increase in fluid level, decomposition products are eliminated from the body faster, liquid blood becomes mobile, blood flow increases, which facilitates the work of the heart during heavy loads.
The high sodium content leads to an ideal fluid content in the body, which allows the athlete to overcome fatigue, develop stamina and prepare for heavy loads.
The functions of chlorine in the body
For the life of a living creature, chlorine is just as necessary as other major macrocells: sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium. Its content in the human body is approximately 115 g. It is present in the skin, skeletal muscles, bones, intercellular fluid, and blood. In the human body, chlorine, sodium and potassium are actively involved in water-salt metabolism. All three elements are present in the intercellular fluid in a certain ratio so that health problems do not occur.
If the metabolic processes of chlorine fail, puffiness appears, problems with the work of the heart occur, and pressure becomes unstable. This element, being part of the intercellular fluid, takes part in the regulation of osmotic pressure in tissues and cells. As a result, fluid and salts are released from the body and their content in tissues and media is regulated. Chlorine stimulates the production of gastric juice, removes carbon dioxide, toxins and toxins from cells and tissues. Its replenishment in the body, like sodium, mainly occurs due to sodium chloride.
Conclusion
Now you know why sodium is needed in the human body. Its role is to normalize the regulation of water-salt balance, maintain osmotic pressure and ensure the passage of nerve impulses. It is very important for each individual to monitor the correct consumption of table salt. As it turned out, it is the main supplier of sodium. And its excess negatively affects the work of many internal organs and health in general.