Sodium Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Sodium - Essay Example Despite the fact that sodium is very significant to the body, too much intake can have adverse effects especially on individuals who are sensitive to sodium. Excessive consumption of sodium can lead to hypertensions which can cause complex health problems (Gazzaniga 23). Sodium helps in muscle and nerve function because it is a mineral that has an electrical charge or electrolyte. The electrolyte facilitates transmission of nerve cells and muscle contraction. For example sodium ions such as chloride and potassium trigger nerve impulses and muscle contractions when the change places across cell membranes. Sodium maintains fluid balance in the body. For example, via its ions (potassium), it attracts water to itself which ensures that hydration level in the body is optimal. It is significant to note that sodium is found in food such as fish, meat, pickled foods, olives, eggs, table salt, dairy foods and poultry (Gazzaniga 45). Excessive overdose of sodium causes hypertension which can cause many health problems. However, deficiency of sodium in the body can lead to serious health problems. For instance, deficiency of sodium in the body leads to hyponatremia which means the body can not be in a position to regulate sodium.