Sodium

Sodium Chloride, the chemical name for common salt, contains 39 per cent of sodium, an element which never occurs in free form in nature. It is found in an associated form with many minerals particularly in plentiful amounts with chlorine. It acts with other electrolytes, mainly potassium, in the intracellular fluid, to control the osmotic pressure and maintain an appropriate water balance within the body. Sodium can help prevent catarrh. It promotes a clear brain, resulting in a better disposition and less mental exhaustion. Vegetable foods rich in sodium are celery, cucumbers, beet-tops, cabbage, lettuce, watermelon, lemons, oranges, grapefruit, corn, lady`s fingers, apple, berries, pears, squash, pumpkin, peaches, lentils, almonds and walnuts. Animal food sources include lean beef, kidney, shell fish, bacon and cheese. Deficiencies of sodium are, however, rare and may be caused by excessive sweating, prolonged use of diuretics, or chronic Diarrhoea. Deficiency may lead to muscular weakness, heat exhaustion, nausea, mental apathy and respiratory failure.