Role of Sodium in Human Body
The human body contains approximately 1.3 g of sodium. About a third is found in our bones. The rest is our body fluids. It ensures a proper fluid and electrolyte or pH balance in our body, together with chlorine and potassium.
Sodium in the form of sodium chloride is ingested directly though food and many food materials contain this material.
Sodium helps our body retaining the body’s water and pH. It enables our cell walls to draw in nutrients. It plays a role in nerve function and muscle contraction. Sodium works in close association with chlorine and potassium.
Sodium also plays a special role in controlling the heartbeat by helping in its origin and maintenance.
Food sources of sodium including salt, smoked, pickled or refined foods, crisps, condiments such as tomato sauce, bread and breakfast cereals.
Many dieticians say that adding any salt to our food means we’re having too much in our diet. High levels of sodium in the body are associated with high blood pressure and hypertension.
Salt tablets may be recommended for dehydration and low blood pressure. Any active sport participation leads to a considerable loss of water.
Sufficient quantities of water should therefore be consumed during and after exercising. Drinking at least eight glasses of water a day will also reduce cravings for sweet and savory things.
Daily requirement is about 3-5 g for a normal adult. It is absorbed nearly completely from diet in the intestinal tract. Normally kidney excretes the excess if the sodium and deregulate the sodium content in the body.
Sodium deficiency results in muscle cramps. Headache. Poor appetite and dehydration, but the main sign is fatigue.
Role of Sodium in Human Body
Nutrition is a scientific discipline that encompasses a structured body of knowledge. It includes various fields such as clinical nutrition, community nutrition, public health, food policy, and food science. At its core, nutrition is the study of how the body utilizes food. It is essential to life. Understanding nutrition enables us to make better dietary choices by determining the necessary nutrient intake, identifying optimal food sources, and recognizing beneficial or harmful food components.
Popular articles
-
Food science is an interdisciplinary field that has played a crucial role in shaping modern food production, safety, and distribution. Histo...
-
Vitamin C, or ascorbic acid, is a water-soluble nutrient essential for human health. It is critical in immune defense, collagen production, ...
-
Potassium, a vital mineral and electrolyte, plays a central role in maintaining overall health. One of its most crucial functions is regulat...
-
Vitamin K plays a critical role in blood clotting and bone health. However, its absorption and effectiveness can be compromised by various f...
-
Salivary amylase, also known as ptyalin, is a crucial enzyme in the digestive process, produced by the salivary glands. This enzyme initiate...