Question

Assignment: Using your text (chps 3) and LibGuides answer the following questions. Use complete sentences and make sure your answers are detailed and specific. What are three major functions of sodium in the body? Explain hyponatremia. What is the relationship between salt and hypertension? What is the sodium recommendation (mg/day) from the American Heart Association? What populations are particularly vulnerable? What is the TUL for sodium for adults?

Answer 1

The major functions of sodium are

• To maintain blood pressure
• To maintain the fluid volume in the body
• To help in transmitting nerve impulses from one nerve to another.

Hyponatremia refers to decrease in the blood sodium level below the normal range of 135mEq/L

An increase in the amount of sodium intake from the diet leads to osmotic cellular changes and in order to counter balance the extra sodium ,the water is retained in the body to dilute it,additionally putting extra effort on the renal system ,increasing the fluid volume and increasing the blood pressure

The recommended sodium intake is 2300mg/day for a healthy adult

The elderly population, family history of hypertension, excess stress, smoker ,alcoholic, poor life style management, sedentary life style, lack of exercise people are vulnerable population

The Total Upper Limit for sodium intake in adults should not exceed more than 2300mg/day.