It flavors food and is used as a binder and stabilizer. The human body requires a small amount of sodium to conduct nerve impulses, contract and relax muscles, and maintain the proper balance of water and minerals. It is estimated that we need about mg of sodium daily for these vital functions. But too much sodium in the diet can lead to high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. It can also cause calcium losses, some of which may be pulled from bone.
About the Author. Water helps your kidneys remove wastes and keeps your blood and blood vessels healthy. If you’re concerned about your salt intake or think you may be sensitive to salt, it’s definitely worth calling your doctor. Medically reviewed by Gerhard Whitworth, R. By using Verywell Fit, you accept our.
Can water dilute the sodium in your diet? simply
Sodium is a mineral essential for optimal muscle and nerve function. Together with chloride, it also helps your body maintain proper water and mineral balance 1, 2. Yet, despite its essential functions, ingesting too much salt can have unpleasant effects, both in the short and long term. This article discusses what happens in your body if you eat too much salt in a single meal or day and compares this to the long-term effects of a salt-rich diet. Eating too much salt at once, either in a single meal or over a day, can have a few short-term consequences.