en.aazsante.fr

The Largest Portal Of Health And Quality Of Life.

Sodium, in the right measure, is allied to the heart and muscles

Sodium, in the right measure, is allied to the heart and muscles

The main function of sodium is to balance the amount of water in the body along with potassium. While sodium retains liquids, potassium causes excretion so that the cells are left with the right amount of water. In addition, double sodium and potassium participate in muscle contractions and energy supply to the body.

Proven Benefits

Heart Ally:

Double sodium and potassium are essential for muscle contractions and therefore helps maintain normal heart rate. The absence of sodium can lead to cardiac arrhythmia. Prevents fatigue:

Sodium participates in the supply of energy to the body. This is because it acts on the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins and fats, turning these macronutrients into energy for the body. Therefore, the absence of sodium can lead to fatigue. Good for muscles:

This benefit occurs because sodium is involved in the process of muscle contractions. Sodium in excess can be harmful - Photo: Getty Images

Good in cases of vomiting and diarrhea:

During bouts of diarrhea or vomiting, people lose much sodium and potassium. Therefore, when the person can not feed, it is important to replace the substances with the serum. Balance the amount of water:

Sodium acts by retaining the liquid in the body, while potassium causes the excretion of water. Thus, when there is a balance between the two, there is also the balance of the amount of water in the body, allowing the body's functions to occur correctly. Sodium deficiency

Lack of sodium in the body can lead to pain of headaches, muscle weakness, vomiting, diarrhea, and even cardiac arrhythmia.

Sodium combinations

The combination of sodium and potassium is essential for both to fulfill their functions in the body. The balance between the two regulates the amount of water in the body, and it contributes to muscle contraction and energy supply to the body.

Sodium sources

The main source of sodium is salt, but it can also be found in food. Potassium has the following main sources: roasted sunflower seed, avocados, almonds, spinach, potatoes, beets, broccoli, celery, skimmed yogurt and bananas. Recommended amount of sodium

Recommended amount of sodium is 2 grams or 5 grams of sodium chloride, the cooking salt. The ideal would be that 3 grams of sodium would come from the addition of salt and 3 grams would come from the food itself. Unfortunately, in Brazil the average consumption of sodium chloride is 12 grams per person, well above the recommended level.

Risks of excess sodium consumption

Excess consumption of sodium can cause a number of health problems .

Hypertension:

As has been said, sodium retains water. Therefore, excess of the mineral takes the large amount of water in the body, which will increase the amount of blood to the tissues. With more blood the arteries and veins dilate, increasing in diameter.

Heart Problems: As the amount of blood increases, so does the work of the heart. After all, it is he who will have to pump the extra volume. Over time, so much effort will result in heart problems.

Bone problems:

Too much sodium in the body steals calcium from bones, increasing a person's risk of developing problems such as osteoporosis or osteopenia. Impaired kidneys:

With too much sodium, the kidneys need to expel more of this mineral and This works more. Over time, this can lead to an overload of the organ and impair its functioning. Promotes swelling:

A person may develop swelling due to excessive sodium in the body if he has other associated problems such as obesity or heart complications Excessive iodine:

As the cooking salt also has iodine addition, excess of this other substance can occur that favors thyroid problems. Tips for decreasing sodium intake

Unfortunately, the majority of Brazilians ingest more sodium than directed. So, check out some strategies to reduce the amount of mineral in your daily life: Eat the amount of calories you need, without overeating. After all, when the person eats two portions of a particular food instead of one, it automatically doubles the amount of sodium

Try to add other seasonings instead of salt, such as lemon, olive oil and others

Salt also light is a good alternative as long as the person does not have kidney problems. It is important to emphasize that when consuming the light salt, one should not increase the added amount of time.

  • Source consulted:
  • Márcia Gowdak, nutritionist and coordinator of the department of nutrition of the Brazilian Society of Hypertension.


    Beta carotene contributes to healthy skin and protects eyesight

    Beta carotene contributes to healthy skin and protects eyesight

    Beta carotene is a carotenoid. Carotenoids are natural pigments found in plants and responsible for the vibrant colors of some fruits and vegetables, such as the orange color of the carrot, the red of persimmon, and the intense yellow of the mango. Once ingested, beta-carotene can be converted to vitamin A (retinol) or act as an antioxidant to help protect cells from the harmful effects of free radicals.

    (Food)

    7 Reasons to go to a nutritionist

    7 Reasons to go to a nutritionist

    The nutritionist is the health professional specialized in studying the nutritionist needs of being in order to enable people to have a better quality of life and make better food choices for their routine. According to the Federal Nutrition Council, Brazil currently has approximately 81,745 nutritionists, distributed in different areas, such as hospital, collective health, nutritional, sports and clinical consultancy and advice, along with the food, gastronomy and teaching and research industries.

    (Food)