Founding RN
Joined: 10 Jan 2003
Posts: 172
PostPosted: 10 Feb 2003 18:55 Post subject: What is Sodium?
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>Sodium is a mineral. It is better known as salt. It is normally eliminated by the kidneys and is a chief regulator of fluid in the body.<
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>What does Sodium do?<
>Sodium causes fluid retention. The main problem for ESRD patients is the effect sodium has on fluid retention and on high blood pressure. The more sodium in the blood, the more fluid there is. The more sodium in the blood, the harder it will be for patients to release fluid on dialysis, thereby increasing the chance for cramps and low blood pressures. High sodium also causes an increase in thirst.<
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>Higher sodium will also contribute to the higher blood pressures that many ESRD patients deal with. Again, the more sodium in the blood causes more fluid to be retained in the circulatory system, thereby raising the blood pressure as the heart pushes more fluid around the body. When the circulatory system is full, the fluid migrates to the heart, lungs and tissues, causing some patients to experience shortness of
eath and edema. High blood pressure does not have symptoms and is a major risk factor in heart attacks and strokes. It is very important to have your blood pressures monitored regularly and to take any prescribed blood pressure pills as your Dr. instructs you. Also it is important to stay on dialysis the full amount of time as prescribed for you by your nephrologist as this will help in removing the excess fluid from your body.<
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>Where is sodium found?<
>Sodium is found in almost everything we eat and drink. Approximately one-third of our sodium intake comes naturally in our diet. One-third is added during processing of commercial food products, and one-third is added at home in the cooking process.<
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>Table salt is the biggest contributor of sodium in our diets. Cured meats, many commercially prepared foods, canned foods, salty snacks, and fast foods are the second biggest contributors of sodium in our diets. For those of you who have your own well water and a water softener system that uses the salt rocks to soften your hard water, be aware that this also will add sodium to the water you use in your home. You may want to use bottled water to drink.<
>Your dietician can help you learn more about low sodium foods, how to prepare foods to lower the sodium content, and safe salt substitutes to use.<
