Sodium (Na) Information

Sodium is a soft, waxy, silvery reactive metal belonging to the alkali metals. It normally found inside body and outsite it in combination with other elements. It's very essentially in our life and present in the fluids of the body outside the cell. Sodium Chloride, the chemical name for common salt, which formed by Sodium and Chloride.

Sodium is the most abundant: chemical in the extra-cellular fluid of the body. It acts with other electrolytes, especially potassium, in the intracellular fluid, to regulate the osmotic pressure and maintain a proper water balance within the body.

Both deficiency and excess of salt may produce adverse effects on the human body. Deficiency may lead to nausea, muscular weakness, heat exhaustion, mental apathy and respiratory failure. Too much sodium may lead to water retention, high blood pressure, stomach ulcers, stomach cancer, harden- ing of arteries and heart disease.

Benefits to our body

It is a major factor in maintaining acid-base equilibrium, in transmitting nerve impulses, and in relaxing muscles. It is also required for glucose absorption and for the transport of other nutrients across cell membranes. Sodium can help prevent catarrh. It promotes a clear brain, resulting in a better disposi tion and less mental fatigue.

Food Resource

The main resource foods are ham, Chinese pickled vegetables, cheese, sea foods example kelp, shellfish except crustaceans and salt. Fruits, fish and meat also contain a substantial amount of sodium.