Table s alt is a food product, which is a crushed colorless crystal. There are several different types of s alt: fine, coarse, iodized, pure or nitrite, etc. This is one of the few products that becomes the subject of various disputes. Is it possible to live without s alt or not? What happens if you use it in large quantities? How dangerous is a lack of s alt in the human body?
General information
Everyone should know about what symptoms of a lack of s alt in the body can occur. Indeed, for the normal functioning of the human body, this product is essential.
In history, s alt riots often occurred, which were associated with a shortage of this substance. Moreover, there are cases when such a product was valued much higher than gold. And all this for a reason.
The biological role of sodium chloride
Lack of s alt in the human body can lead todisastrous consequences, as it is vital for the normal and uninterrupted functioning of the whole body.
As you know, the seasoning in question contains 60% sodium and 40% chlorine. The chlorine ion in this product is the main material that allows the production of hydrochloric acid, which acts as an essential component of gastric juice. As for the sodium ion, together with ions of other elements, it is involved in the contraction of muscle fibers and the transmission of nerve impulses. In this regard, it should be noted that the main symptoms of a lack of s alt in the body are:
- general weakness;
- disorders of the gastrointestinal tract;
- fatigue;
- neuromuscular disorders.
Too much s alt
Few people know about the symptoms of a lack of s alt in the body. This is primarily due to the fact that a deficiency of such a substance in humans occurs extremely rarely. Indeed, modern foods are so saturated with s alt that, most likely, there is an overabundance of it, rather than a shortage.
By the way, many people know about the signs of a peculiar overdose of this seasoning. Excessive s alt intake always causes an increase in blood pressure, as well as fluid retention in the body, which contributes to edema.
Needed amount of sodium chloride
Under what conditions can one observe obvious symptoms of a lack of s alt in the body? About the amount of this product necessary for the normal functioning of the human body,there are completely different data. For example, WHO recommends only 2 g of sodium per day (corresponding to 5 g of common table s alt). As for American experts, in their opinion, a person should be limited to one teaspoon of seasoning per day (corresponding to 4-6 g). However, they clarify that the specified amount of s alt should increase with increased sweating, sports, heat stress and certain diseases.
It is also necessary to take into account the fact that the daily s alt intake also includes the seasoning that is found, for example, in semi-finished products consumed by humans, canned food, sauces, etc.
Clear signs of lack of s alt in the body
Recognizing the fact that a person lacks sodium chloride is quite difficult. This is due to the fact that the first symptoms of s alt deficiency in the body are typical for many other diseases. For example, a person may experience weakness, headaches, dizziness, and nausea.
Also, a lack of s alt contributes to a decrease in blood pressure, various skin rashes, high fatigue, drying of the oral mucosa, rare urination, the development of dry skin, cramps in the limbs, constant drowsiness, apathy. If all the necessary measures are not taken in time, then memory loss may be added to all the above signs.
Other deficiency symptoms
In the event that sodium chloride does not enter the body fora few days, a person may experience a noticeable decrease in appetite, which entails significant weight loss. It is this fact that attracts many people who want to lose weight. However, experts say that a s alt-free diet is an extremely dangerous method of dealing with excess weight. After all, if sodium in the human body is less than 115 mol / l, then this threatens with serious problems, and sometimes even death. Therefore, doctors advise using a s alt-free diet only for medicinal purposes and only under the supervision of a specialist. Such restricted nutrition can be prescribed, for example, for diseases of the urinary tract and kidneys. It must be remembered that with the complete rejection of s alt, muscle tissues are the first to suffer. In this regard, a person has lethargy and there is a desire to be at rest all the time (that is, unwillingness to move). Thus, the body stops working normally.
In medical practice, s alt deficiency in the human body is commonly called hyponatremia. Making such a diagnosis requires immediate action to supply sodium chloride to the body.
Why is there a shortage?
The reason for the lack of s alt in the body or hyponatremia can be the intake of diuretic decoctions or medications without the supervision of the attending physician. The use of such drugs leads to the washing out of sodium from the body, which entails serious consequences.
It should also be said that there are several diseases that can quite easily lead to s alt deficiency in humans. Tothey include the following:
- kidney problems;
- pancreatitis;
- cirrhosis of the liver;
- peritonitis;
- heart disease;
- Urolithiasis.
Also, sodium deficiency can occur with vomiting, prolonged diarrhea, or blood loss. A decrease in the amount of this substance in the body is also noted in conditions such as burns and frostbite.
Consequences of lack of s alt in the body
Symptoms of an excess of sodium chloride in the human body are increased blood pressure and swelling. It is pointless to talk about the consequences of such states, since everyone has long known about them.
As for the consequences of a lack of s alt in the human body, few people know about them. First of all, it should be noted that without this element, the normal functioning of the body is in principle impossible. If sodium chloride deficiency still occurs, then the person will face the following problems:
- disturbances in the nervous system;
- decreased immunity;
- diseases of the heart, blood vessels;
- violation of water and mineral balance;
- indigestion;
- jumps in osmotic pressure;
- slowing down the release of the hormone adrenaline;
- significant problems with muscle tissue (spasms, weakness, swelling, cramps).
Thus, with a deficiency of s alt in the body, there are serious changes in all internal chemical processes.
Sequence of effects of sodium chloride deficiency
If sodium chloride does not enter the human body for several days, then at first the body will replenish it from its reserves. In the event that the obvious symptoms of deficiency are ignored and the person does not take all the necessary measures, then soon after the main signs the nervous system will begin to be affected, and then problems with the heart, blood vessels and kidneys will appear. Following this, all chemical processes in the body will be disrupted in a person, and then muscle cramps will appear. If measures are not taken at this stage, then the condition will worsen and the person will fall into a deep coma.
Treatment of hyponatremia
Is hyponatremia treated, and what to do with s alt deficiency in the body? If such a situation arises, the best solution is to consult with a qualified specialist.
To confirm the diagnosis of hyponatremia, doctors most often recommend urine and blood tests. According to them, the specialist will be able not only to determine the cause of the disease, but also what amount of sodium chloride is missing.
After passing the analysis and confirming the diagnosis, the method of treatment is also selected. Hyponatria is usually treated with intravenous saline. If the patient is taking diuretics, then he is offered another method of therapy (for example, intravenous administration of Vaprizol and taking Demeclocycline).
What foods to eat?
No matter how trite it may sound, but most often, to eliminate the deficiency of s alt in the body, experts recommend eating food and drinks,containing this element.
As you know, s alt is found in almost all foods. However, it should be said that they are rich in sodium to a greater extent:
- soy sauce, homemade pickles;
- milk and eggs;
- seafood, cheese;
- carrots and seaweed.
If you need a quick replenishment of s alt in the body, then you need to eat s alted herring, smoked sausages, shrimps, sauerkraut, cheese.
