Sodium
What Is It?
Sodium is a component of salt and chloride. Its name derived from the Latin natrium (meaning sodium chloride) and it is required by the body to regulate blood pressure, blood volume and to help regulate fluid balance. It also assists in the proper functioning of muscles and nerves, and together with potassium, can maintain a healthy alkaline balance.
Found mainly in the fluids surrounding the body cells, sodium also assists oxygen and nutrients to move in and out of cells.
Why Do We Need It?
Salt is essential for life but we’re not talking about the commonly used table salt. This has been refined and purified resulting in a product, that when used to excess, may cause ill health and put you at risk of hypertension. However, foods that contain sodium work syn-ergistically with other vitamins and minerals and will not harm the body.
Sodium maintains proper water balance and blood Ph, both needed for correct stomach, nerve and muscle function, It can also be a factor in the prevention of sunstroke.
Sodium stimulates the kidneys and keeps calcium soluble which helps to prevent kidney stones. It also stimulates the secretion of gastric juices aiding indigestion and promoting sweating (which in turn may help to prevent heatstroke).
Deficiency Symptoms
Abdominal cramps, anorexia, confusion, dehydration, depression, disorientation, fainting, fatigue, hallucinations, headaches, heart problems, lethargy, low blood pressure, bad memory, muscle weakness, cramps, nausea, neuralgia, recurrent infections, seizures, weight loss, impaired sense of taste and poor coordination.
Where Can We Find It?
Virtually all foods contain some level of sodium but you will find good quantities in apples, artichokes, avocado, beetroot, broccoli, carrots, celery, chard, dandelion greens, green beans, green olives, kelp, raisins, sea vegetables, seaweeds, spinach, oranges, strawberries, and salt (not table salt – try Himalayan salt instead).
Be-Aware:
Some medications can lower sodium levels. These include diuretics, ibuprofen, and
prozac. If you are taking any of these please talk to your GP if you are concerned about any deficiencies before making any changes.
Excessive sodium intake will deplete potassium and can cause water retention resulting in oedema and hypertension. It can also cause high blood pressure, liver and kidney disease.
If advised to avoid salt you can use potassium-based sodium substitutes such as celery, basil, caraway, mustard or parsley.
Studies/Research
Clinical studies have shown that an elevated intake of sodium may be associated with
colorectal cancer.
Other studies have shown that people suffering from fibromyalgia were able to reduce pain, sleep disturbances and fatigue by taking sodium oxybate. The study suggested that
sodium may be one of the best elements for fibromyalgia pain.
References:
Nutritional Influences on Illness - Mervyn R Werbach
The world’s Healthiest Foods - George Mateljan
Reader’s Digest Guide to Vitamins, Minerals and supplements.
Vitamins & Minerals DeMystified - Dr. Steve Blake
Dr Jensen’s Juicing Therapy - Dr Bernard Jensen
Nutritional Healing - Phyllis A. Balch, CNC
www.progressivehealth.com
Disclaimer
Please be aware that we are not Doctors, so it is important BEFORE making any changes that you consult with your GP or Medical Practitioner. The suggestions above are not meant as an alternative to any current medical treatment so please DO NOT stop taking any medications you are on. They are also not an endorsement of their effectiveness, nor a recommendation that they should be followed but instead, provided for informational purposes. None of the information on the Natural Juice Therapy site is intended or implied to treat, cure or prevent any condition or disease.