Sodium facts

• Sodium is an electrolyte
• Sodium works with the other electrolytes
• Sodium regulates the fluid in the cells
• Sodium is needed to make gastric juices
• Potassium regulates sodium levels
• Natural (unprocessed) foods have the correct sodium:potassium levels

Sodium is one of the electrolyte minerals (the others are calcium, chloride, phosphorus and potassium), which carries an electrical charge and which is positive for sodium. Because electrolytes have electrical charges, they can move easily back and forth through cell membranes. This is important because as they move into a cell, they carry other nutrients in with them and as they move out of it, they carry out waste products and excess water.

Sodium works with the other electrolytes to help regulate the level of fluid between the cells, in the cells and throughout the whole body. To balance body fluids, the cells require adequate levels of sodium in between the cells and adequate levels of potassium inside the cells. This is so that the potassium and sodium can move back and forth through the cells membranes and balance fluid levels.

Sodium is a really important component of hydrochloric acid – the powerful digestive juice inside the stomach that breaks foods down to enable it to be digested and absorbed.

Potassium is required to regulate and balance sodium levels in the body – if sodium levels are too high, then eating foods rich in potassium can help to reduce sodium levels in the body and enable them to be both balanced.

Natural plant foods, especially fruits, vegetables, grains and legumes, have the correct sodium:potassium levels. Plant foods  have much higher levels of potassium compared to sodium, which is exactly what is needed for maintaining good health and balanced electrolytes.