Why is sodium bad for you

One of the oldest addictions human being have developed to chemicals, sodium is present in many different foods and other substances found around the world today. Unfortunately for many at the same time sodium in various degrees poses a variety of health risks both in its natural and processed forms.

As a compound sodium is highly soluble in water, making it a relatively easily processed chemical to intake. Given that our bodies are roughly 70% water this means that large quantities of sodium can be dissolved and stored within our bodies for various purposes. At the same time, however, excess amounts of sodium can disrupt normal functions within the body by restricting necessary fluid transfers to various organs and other systems.

One of the largest and most important organs to be affected adversely by excess sodium is the heart. As sodium levels within the body rise both the arteries and veins necessary for the heart to successfully pump blood throughout our body constrict, making it increasingly difficult for our heart to function. This in turn can lead to a number of conditions including hypertension (high blood pressure) and possibly even cardiac arrest. For this reason those with heart conditions or have had heart surgery in the past are generally advised by doctors to outright eliminate or at least minimize their sodium intake as much as possible.

Sodium can also cause excess water retention within our bodies to develop. Given sodium’s highly soluble nature any excess sodium that is brought into our bodies that cannot be processed is instead stored within our fat cells and other organs for usage or processing later on. This in turn causes our bodies to retain additional fluids where the sodium collects in order to dissolve and process the chemical effectively at a later date. As a result many people with a high sodium intake may experience significant weight gain along with all of the health risks associate with it.

At the same time, however, some sodium is needed in order to complete a balanced diet and ensure other bodily functions work properly. As with all aspects of life, however, without proper moderation the potential damage can far outweigh the good it may bring to you.