Physical Signs You're Not Eating Enough Salt

Too little salt in your body is just as unhealthy as too much salt. But when is too little really too much and how do you recognize low sodium? We explain the signs.

Ideally, we consume salt, also known as sodium, daily through our food and table salt. It is important for the brain and muscles. Deficiency can harm the body. The most important role of salt is:

Sodium ensures that impulses on nerve pathways are transmitted to cells in the body. It ensures that muscles can move and also the heart can beat.

Sodium exists in the body as an electrolyte and must be present in a certain concentration of water. It can only do its job in the right proportions. If the salt concentration is disturbed, it may be because there is too much water in the body - or the deficiency is due to illness.

8 Signs of Low Sodium

malaise

Headache and muscle pain

Vomiting

Drowsiness and confusion

dizziness

cramps

Loss of consciousness

Intracranial pressure resulting from the accumulation of water in the brain

Salt deficiency: causes and treatment

Sodium deficiency is divided into relative deficiency and absolute deficiency. Athletes are often affected by a relative deficiency. They lose salt through the skin through profuse sweating. But instead of replenishing it, for example with an electrolyte drink, many athletes simply drink water. Marathon runners are particularly affected, but also athletes who train at high temperatures over a longer period of time and sweat a lot. Even when visiting the sauna, a relative salt deficiency can occur.

But what helps prevent relative salt deficiency?

It is advisable to take some salt before exercise. During training, a pinch of salt dissolved in a liter of water can help. But if the sport lasts longer, for example, in marathons, cycling races or the like, electrolyte drinks can be useful.

Absolute salt deficiency - these diseases can cause it

Absolute salt deficiency is unlikely in healthy people. The situation is different with diseases. The most common cause of salt deficiency is a gastrointestinal disease, for example, vomiting and diarrhea. The body also loses water, which can be especially dangerous for infants and the elderly.

Sodium deficiency can also occur with these diseases:

intestinal obstruction

Pancreatitis

peritonitis

Kidney disease

severe burns

In order to quickly identify and treat salt deficiency, older adults in particular should have their blood checked regularly for sodium content.