Too little salt in the bloodstream can have just as many ill-effects as too much.
Salt deficiency, or hyponatremia, is a condition in which the blood electrolyte levels drop to below average and even dangerous levels. The condition has many causes, including the consumption of too much water, severe diarrhea and prolonged use of diuretics in combination with a low sodium diet. Symptoms of mild hyponatremia include fatigue, disorientation, headache, muscle cramps and nausea, while severe hyponatremia can lead to seizures and coma, with long-term neurological effects. While salt deficiency is frequently misunderstood, it's easily prevented and treated if you take the right steps.
Instructions
1. Stop whatever activity you're engaged in that may be causing symptoms of a salt deficiency: quit exercising,increase your sodium intake if you're on a low sodium diet or skip a diuretic pill if a doctor did not prescribe the medicine.
2. Ensure that you are experiencing severe salt deficiency before self-treating. If you have been exercising in heat, consuming too much water, or a doctor informs you that you are suffering from the condition, you may safely assume that a salt deficiency is causing the symptoms you are experiencing. Excess consumption of salt leads to other conditions, so be certain before you engage in extreme treatments like consuming salt pills.
3. Balance your sodium level immediately by consuming something salty. While an electrolyte drink--either store-bought or homemade--is ideal, you can also consume salty crackers, nuts or other snacks. Many marathon runners carry salt pills or salty purpose-designed exercise snacks. Consider choosing a snack designed to balance salt levels, available in the diet and exercise section of most food stores.
4. Identify whether your salt craving is a symptom of hyponatremia or a simple craving. A craving for salty foods is not always a symptom of salt deficiency; conversely, someone suffering a salt deficiency may not crave salty foods. When determining if you have hyponatremia, consider your recent actions more than a craving that could be a symptom of something else or nothing at all.
5. Talk to a doctor or consider altering your diet and exercise plans for long-term correction of salt deficiency. While a low sodium diet has many benefits for your health, an extreme and long-term pursuit of the diet can lead to a salt deficiency. Similarly, while hydration during exercise is always a good thing, overconsumption of water during exercise without replacing your salt or electrolyte levels can lead to hyponatremia. A medical professional will help you balance your consumption of water and salt every day.
Tags: salt deficiency, sodium diet, causing symptoms, diet exercise, during exercise, electrolyte levels, much water