Sodium Chloride (Table salt)

Most commonly referred to as table salt, this mineral helps with nerve and muscle function and is made up of the elements sodium and chlorine. This mineral is needed in the body in order to work properly.

This mineral also helps to keep a proper fluid balance. The kidneys control the amount of this mineral in the body. When there is too much of this mineral in the blood for the kidneys to regulate, this build up can lead to high blood pressure (hypertension), which in turn, can cause other health problems.

This mineral helps regulate body water content and electrolyte balance, and is involved in energy utilization and nerve function. It is also required for the absorption of certain nutrients and water from the gut. Too much salt in the diet is associated with an increased risk of raised blood pressure, which is a risk factor for heart disease and stroke. A low salt diet may be used in the treatment of hypertension.

Food Sources

Except for using table salt to taste, no specific supplementation is required. Common dietary sources include table salt, seafood, meat, eggs.

Function

This mineral plays and important part in cellular electrolyte, along with calcium, potassium and chloride. Generally needs only to be supplemented as table salt to taste.

This mineral helps in maintaining the right fluid balance of electrolytes and blood chemistry, muscle action and other processes. When dissolved in water, its molecules divide into one sodium ion and one chloride ion.

Side Effects

Most people in the U.S. get more of this mineral in their diets than they need. A key to healthy eating is choosing foods low in salt. Doctors recommend you eat less than 2.4 grams per day. That equals about 1 teaspoon of table salt a day. Reading food labels can help you see how much of this mineral is in prepared foods.

Use salt as desired for taste. Restrict its intake only if you are advised to do so by your physician. Always use the purest salt available. Avoid sea sources.

Excess sweating, may cause some mineral depletion; sodium intakes may need to increase modestly and temporarily to replenish the loss in sweat.

			topic: sodium