Sodium

The human body contains about 80-100 grams of sodium, although at an inverse proportion as in the cases of calcium and phosphorous, as a higher ratio of it is in a dissolved state, while a smaller ratio of it is stored by the bones and connective tissues. Sodium (in close connection with potassium) plays a considerable role in the maintenance of the so-called osmotic pressure. It is just as essential for the stimuli transmission of the nervous system.

What is it required for?

• Acid-base balance
• Nervous system stimulus transmission
• Muscle functioning
• Carbohydrate and protein metabolism
• Regulation of the liquid balance

How much of it is required?
There is no agreement on sodium requirement. Some say, there is no need to ensure extra, conscious intake, because our foodstuffs contain an adequate quantity of it, while others recommend 0.5 gram a day, and still others 2 grams of it. It is a fact that we many times surpass this dose: we consume 5-15 (!) grams of sodium a day mainly in the form of common salt. A part of this is added to our food by salting them, while a higher portion of it is „provided“ by the food industry, through their use of salt in high quantities in food production. So, there is no need to pay attention to sodium intake.

What foodstuffs contain it?
Sodium is present in all of our foodstuffs. Some contain in naturally, while further quantities are added to other foodstuffs by the food industry.

Deficiency states
Its deficiency state cannot emerge with our current dietary habits.

Overdose
Sodium overdose (increased salt consumption) may cause the increase of the blood pressure and hypertension in those who are sensitive to it (and their number is high).