Sodium

Description

Sodium (Na) is an alkaline electrolyte Macromineral.

 Sodium - Health Benefits

 Sodium - Dietary Sources

 Sodium - Forms

Minerals

 Sodium may facilitate the absorption of Copper.  ^[1] 

Amino Acids

 Taurine may facilitate the transport of Sodium into and out of Cells.  ^[2] 

Enzymes

 Sodium/Potassium-ATPase transports Potassium into the Cell and transports Sodium out of the Cell.

Glucosides

 Glycyrrhizin may cause the retention of Sodium (due to it mimicking the structure and actions of Aldosterone: 

 Caution:  excessive consumption of Glycyrrhizin can lead to excessive Sodium retention.

Hormones

 Aldosterone regulates Water Balance in the Kidneys by causing Sodium retention:

 Caution:  excessive Aldosterone production could lead to excessive Sodium retention.

Lipids

 Prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) may improve the ability of the Kidneys to remove excessive Sodium from the body. 

Minerals

 Lithium may enhance the transport of Sodium across the body's Cell Membranes and Lithium may function in the same capacity as Sodium when a Sodium deficiency occurs. 

 Magnesium is a carrier vehicle for the transport of Sodium into and out of Cell Membranes (i.e. it facilitates the maintenance of Sodium ).  ^[3]

 The ideal Sodium:Potassium ratio is 2:1. 

Vitamins

 Vitamin B6 may help to maintain the body's Sodium:Potassium ratio. 

Carbohydrates

 Psyllium may inhibit the absorption of dietary Sodium and may thereby inhibit the ability of Sodium to cause Hypertension.  ^[4]

Seeds

 Psyllium Seeds may inhibit the absorption of dietary Sodium and may thereby inhibit the ability of Sodium to cause Hypertension.  ^[5]

Hormones

 Excessive production of Aldosterone may lead to excessive serum and tissue levels of Sodium.  ^[6]