Sodium is a mineral that is essential to optimal body functioning. It helps the body maintain normal fluid balances, nerve impulse transmission and a proper acid-base balance within tissues. Lack of proper sodium balance may cause high blood pressure, cramps, mental sluggishness and loss of appetite. A sodium deficiency may be caused my multiple factors, including congestive heart failure, chronic illness, over-hydration and excess intake of salty foods and liquids. Understanding and learning identify symptoms of sodium imbalance may prevent complications such as shock.
Instructions
1. Pay attention to your body and what it is trying to tell you when you feel less than normal. One of the major symptoms of a sodium imbalance is a sense of confusion.
2. Watch for signs of anxiety or restlessness that are not common for you. These signs may or may not be accompanied by slight tremors or shakiness.
3. Be alert for signs of weakness or muscle cramps, which typically occur in the legs. This may or may not be accompanied by signs of edema, or fluid build-up and swelling in the ankles and feet.
4. Write down any changes in your blood pressure or pulse rate, especially when at rest.
5. Pay special attention to signs of severe sodium imbalance such as stupor or even lethargy, which causes an individual to appear sleepy, weak and unable to rouse.
Tags: sodium imbalance, blood pressure, symptoms sodium, symptoms sodium imbalance