How to Identify Symptoms of Sodium Imbalance

Sodium is a mineral that is essential to optimal body functioning. It helps the body maintain normal fluid balances, nerve impulse transmission and a proper acid-base balance within tissues. Lack of proper sodium balance may cause high blood pressure, cramps, mental sluggishness and loss of appetite. A sodium deficiency may be caused my multiple factors, including congestive heart failure, chronic illness, over-hydration and excess intake of salty foods and liquids. Understanding and learning how to identify symptoms of sodium imbalance may prevent complications such as shock.

Instructions

• 1

  Pay attention to your body and what it is trying to tell you when you feel less than normal. One of the major symptoms of a sodium imbalance is a sense of confusion.

• 2

  Watch for signs of anxiety or restlessness that are not common for you. These signs may or may not be accompanied by slight tremors or shakiness.

• 3

  Be alert for signs of weakness or muscle cramps, which typically occur in the legs. This may or may not be accompanied by signs of edema, or fluid build-up and swelling in the ankles and feet.

• 4

  Write down any changes in your blood pressure or pulse rate, especially when at rest.

• 5

  Pay special attention to signs of severe sodium imbalance such as stupor or even lethargy, which causes an individual to appear sleepy, weak and unable to rouse.