Sodium in combination with chlorine is known as table salt. A sodium deficiency is rare, but it can occur when a low supply is combined with increased elimination. This can be caused by strong perspiration, diarrhoea or vomiting. Beverages containing sodium are given as treatment. The effects of a deficiency are low blood pressure, muscle cramps and tachycardia. In the case of a heat collapse, salt tablets and water can also help to restore the water balance. The sodium deposits can be depleted by very high doses of potassium. At the same time, very high doses of sodium cause low potassium levels.

 

More often, we have to deal with too much sodium. An excessive sodium supply is manifested by high blood pressure! A high-salt diet binds a lot of water, which increases the blood volume and thus raises the blood pressure. A very high overdose of sodium can even be fatal.