Is your body's salt level high? Let's learn about hypernatremia!

We often feel thirsty and a little tired. Sometimes we think this is just normal dehydration. But sometimes it can be a sign of something a little deeper. That is an increase in the amount of sodium, or 'salt' as we all know it, in our blood. In medicine, we call this hypernatremia. Although this may seem like a small thing, it can be a serious condition if not taken care of. So let's find out more about this today.

What is Hypernatremia?

Simply put, hypernatremia is when your blood has too much sodium and too little water. Sodium is an electrolyte in our bodies. It is essential for many bodily functions. But like anything, too much of it can cause problems. Normally, a healthy person should have between 136 and 145 milliequivalents (mEq) of sodium per liter of blood. If this value is higher than 145 mEq/L, we consider it hypernatremia. This condition is most common in young children and the elderly . People with certain medical conditions are also at higher risk. But in most cases, it is a major symptom of dehydration. When there is not enough water in the body, the sodium concentration in the blood automatically increases. Think about how smart our bodies are. When the salt content of our blood increases even slightly, our brain senses it. It then makes us thirsty and gives us the signal to "drink water." At the same time, it releases hormones like aldosterone and antidiuretic hormone (ADH), which tell the kidneys to "retain some water and excrete some salt in the urine." That's why your urine turns dark when you're dehydrated. Most cases of hypernatremia are mild. They can be treated by drinking a little more water and perhaps a sports drink. But moderate and severe cases definitely require medical attention.

Why is sodium (salt) so important for our bodies?

We know that eating too much salt is not good. But in reality, our bodies cannot function without sodium. It is essential.

• Water balance : Sodium controls the exact amount of water that should be inside and outside our cells.
• Blood pressure : When sodium levels in the blood increase, it draws water from the surrounding tissues. This increases the amount of fluid (blood volume) inside the blood vessels and increases the pressure. This is why excessive salt consumption causes high blood pressure.
• Nervous function: Our nervous system needs sodium to send signals (impulses). Muscle contractions, thinking, and all of these require nerve signals.

What are the symptoms of hypernatremia?

Many of these symptoms are similar to those of dehydration, but some are caused by the effects of excess sodium on the nervous system. Let's look at what these symptoms are in the table below.

Factors that increase the risk of developing hypernatremia

• Severe vomiting or diarrhea (Gastroenteritis)
• Burns
• Excessive sweating due to exercise, fever, or extreme heat
• Uncontrolled diabetes (Hyperglycemia)
• Kidney disease
• Decreased thirst sensation with age
• Sometimes, a breastfed baby may not be getting enough milk.
• Overdose of salt tablets, etc. If this happens, immediately contact the National Poison Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital.
• Drinking sea water
• Diabetes Insipidus is a rare condition that is not related to diabetes, but causes excessive urination.

How does a doctor diagnose and treat this?

Your doctor can easily diagnose this condition by measuring the sodium level in your blood with a simple blood test . Sometimes, urine tests are also done. The main goal of treatment is to replace the lost water and restore the balance between sodium and water. In mild cases, you will be advised to drink water or other fluids. However, in moderate or severe cases, you may need to be hospitalized and given saline (IV fluids) through a vein.

Does eating too much salt affect body weight?

This is also a very important issue. Studies have shown that people who eat a lot of salt are more likely to gain body fat and become obese. There may be several reasons for this: 1. Taste: Salt makes food taste better. That's why we eat more without realizing it. 2. Thirst: Many people turn to sugary drinks (sodas) instead of water to satisfy their thirst after eating salty foods. 3. Fat burning: Some studies suggest that high salt intake can change the way our body burns fat. Therefore, it is best to reduce the amount of food we eat outside, packaged foods (processed foods), and prepare meals at home, in addition to controlling blood pressure and weight. Hypernatremia, sodium, salt, dehydration, blood tests, kidneys, thirst, electrolytes, electrolyte