How to Deal With Effects of Low Sodium

Just as having too much sodium in your system can be detrimental to your health, not having enough can also cause problems for your body. Hyponatremia, the term for an electrolyte imbalance caused by low sodium in the blood, effects blood pressure and the way nerves and muscles function. Follow the steps to learn how to deal with effects of low sodium.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Look for symptoms of low sodium or hypoatremia. Confusion, dizziness, muscle twitching, lethargy and nausea can all occur, but often you may feel no symptoms at all.

2. Visit a physician to check the sodium levels in your blood. You will need a blood test and a short examination to check your heart rate, blood flow and overall feeling. Get checked up annually to find problems before you have symptoms.

3. Avoid caffeine and alcohol, which can take sodium out of your system. Monitor your water intake according to the doctor's suggestions. Add salt and sodium products into your diet slowly to raise your blood pressure to a normal level.

4. Drink electrolyte drinks when exercising to replace the vital sodium and other electrolytes your blood needs to flow properly. Continue to exercise moderately as long as your physician allows.

5. Continue visiting your doctor regularly and consult a nutritionist to adjust your sodium level through diet. Sodium is easily regulated through a proper diet and exercise program.

Tips & Warnings

• Check for other deficiencies or heart problems to make sure your lack of sodium isn't part of a larger problem.
• Avoid low-sodium or no-sodium diets. Concentrate on eating healthy to get all the vitamins and nutrients you need for your body's overall well being.

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