| Archive | Diet & Fitness | Mind & Spirit | Store | Tools |
|
|
YOUR PURE LIFE | ||||
|
|
|
Sodium has a reputation as a germ killer. Some people use sodium solution as an antibacterial mouthwash to combat microorganisms that cause sore throat or inflamed gums. Plain saltwater soaks have also been recommended as a remedy for sweaty feet. It is believed to have a drying effect by soaking up excess perspiration. In ages past, saltwater soaks were used to relieve sore or aching muscles.
Preparations
There is no recommended daily allowance (RDA) for sodium, though the government has established estimated minimum requirements for people in general good health. The minimum for children and adults ages 10 and over is 500 mg a day. The daily minimum is 400 mg for children between the ages of six and nine, 300 mg for those between the ages of two and five, and 225 mg for children between one and two. Infants up to five months old should receive 120 mg daily, while those between six and 11 months old require 200 mg a day. Some authorities believe that 200-500 mg daily may be sufficient for adults.
To prepare a sodium mouthwash, mix 1 tsp of table salt with a glass of warm water. The solution should be swished around in the mouth for about a minute or so. Then spit the mixture out. Try not to swallow the solution, as it contains about 2,000 mg of sodium.
Sodium is available in tablet form, but supplements should only be taken under the supervision of a doctor. As mentioned earlier, most people already get far too much sodium in their diets.
A trip to the Dead Sea is not necessary in order to enjoy its potential benefits. Dead Sea bath salts are also available.
Precautions
People who wish to take sodium supplements or increase their sodium intake should talk to a doctor first if they have high blood pressure (or a family history of the disease), congestive heart failure (or other forms of heart or blood vessel disease), hepatic cirrhosis, edema, epilepsy, kidney disease, or bleeding problems.
Studies investigating the role of sodium in the development of high blood pressure have produced mixed results. However, sodium is widely believed to contribute to the development of the disease in susceptible people. For this reason, most doctors and major health organizations around the world recommend a diet low in sodium. Eating a low-sodium diet may actually help to lower blood pressure, especially when that diet includes sufficient amounts of potassium.
Apart from an increase in blood pressure, high levels of sodium may cause confusion,anxiety, edema,nausea, vomiting, restlessness, weakness, and loss of potassium and calcium.
Restricting Sodium intake is not usually recommended for women who are pregnant or breast-feeding. Side effects Dietary sodium is not associated with any bothersome or significant side effects. In some people, the tablets may cause upset stomach or affect kidney function. Interactions Sodium may promote the loss of calcium and potassium. Key Terms: Calcium Diuretic Edema Electrolytes Author: Greg Annussek  TopBack Back to article Your comment |
|
| ©2007 www.yourpurelife.com Home • Search | Privacy • Terms • Contact • Disclaimer • Webmasters • |
