top of page

Sodium-The Youth Element

Sodium is one of seven essential macrominerals. Sodium has gotten a bad rap in our society because of the sodium chloride used in white table salt. The sodium we are discussing is very beneficial and extremely necessary for our bodies to function well.


Sodium from food and herbal sources help calcium keep your body strong and flexible. It is called the "Youth Element" for this very reason.


Sodium and potassium work closely together. High sodium intake can raise blood pressure while high potassium intake relaxes arterial walls, helps the body excrete the sodium, thereby lowering the blood pressure. The body needs a lot more potassium than sodium.

Benefits

  • Keeps calcium and magnesium balanced

  • Keeps us youthful

  • Conducts nerve impulses

  • Contracts and relaxes muscles

  • Maintains proper balance of water and minerals

  • Aids in production of HCI or hydrochloric acid (stomach acid used to breakdown food)

  • Helps maintain a normal metabolism

  • Works on a cellular level

Signs of Deficiency (hyponatremia)

  • Nervousness

  • Low blood sugar

  • Joint pain and swelling

  • Digestive problems

  • Excessive vomiting

  • Excessive diarrhea

  • Excessive sweating

  • Altered mental state/confusion

  • Fatigue

  • Seizures

  • Muscle degeneration

  • Abdominal cramps

  • Depression

  • Dizziness

  • Hallucinations

  • Headache

  • Heart palpitations

  • Poor coordination

  • Recurrent infections

Signs of Excess (hypernatremia)

  • Swelling in extremities

  • High blood pressure

  • Potassium deficiency

  • Liver disorders

  • Nausea/vomiting

  • Weakness

  • Loss of appetite

  • Intense thirst

  • Confusion

  • Kidney damage

Food Sources

Nearly all foods contain a small amount of sodium

  • Carrot

  • Radish

  • Bell pepper

  • Tomato

  • Broccoli

  • Cabbage

  • Cucumber

  • Apple

  • Avocados

  • Mango

  • Papaya

  • Pineapple

  • Bananas

Herbal Sources

Dandelion


Resources


Comments


MEDICAL DISCLAIMER

Cynthia A. Barrington is not a physician and the relationship between her and her clients is not as prescriber and patient but as educator and client. This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice or to take the place of such advice or treatment from a personal physician. It is fully the client's choice whether or not to take advantage of the information Cynthia presents. Naturopathy, homeopathy, flower essences, and any other recommendations do not "treat" illnesses; they address the entire person as a matter of wholeness that is an educational process, not a medical one. In order to be treated or diagnosed, Cynthia believes the advice of a holistic physician is in order. Never stop taking prescription medications without first consulting your physician. Consult your physician before starting a fitness program or taking supplements.

bottom of page