Sodium

Sodium is one of the most consumed minerals in the world. It is included in the group of macrominerals, so compared to other minerals, its consumption is necessary in slightly higher amounts. Its popularity has been influenced by its daily use in common salt, when seasoning and flavoring our meals. The benefits that sodium offers to our health are very varied, which is why it is considered one of the essential minerals for the correct functioning of our organism.

During the development of this guide, we will be analyzing some of the most important characteristics and functions of sodium for the health of our body. Likewise, we will be reviewing the recommended amounts of this nutrient for our body, the sources from which we can acquire it, and the harm to our health of consuming too much of it.

General benefits of sodium

Sodium is a mineral of wide impact, so it contributes to the realization of diverse physical and chemical processes that are essential for the health of the human being. This mineral acts on the control of our blood pressure, so in adequate amounts it allows us to regulate blood volume with great efficiency. Our nervous system needs sodium to function properly, which is why our brain finds great benefits in the moderate consumption of this nutrient. Similarly, sodium interacts in the processes of muscle contraction and development, being an essential element in the care of our muscles.

How to obtain sodium?

Sodium is very easy to obtain through the usual foods we consume. Common salt contains sodium and is widely used in the seasoning of most of our meals. This salt is presented as sodium chloride and is usually used in the preparation of foods of animal and vegetable origin. Processed foods, which are the least recommended, usually have a high sodium content to enhance their flavors. Natural foods such as milk or beet also contain sodium, in fact, even the natural water we consume contains sodium.

That said, meeting the daily sodium requirements of our body is extremely simple, just by maintaining a common food intake. Perhaps the biggest problem related to sodium is in not exceeding its consumption, since for the reasons mentioned above, this could easily happen.

Adequate sodium intake

The recommended sodium intake for an adult person is limited to approximately 2300 mg of this nutrient per day. We must consider that people suffering from conditions such as hypertension should consult a doctor to adjust the amounts to be consumed to rate