What does it mean when your sodium level is high?
A high sodium level in the blood (hypernatremia) often means there is not enough water in the body rather than too much salt. A high sodium level can happen when you are dehydrated and not drinking enough water. But there are other medical conditions that can affect your sodium level as well.
How do you lower sodium levels in your blood?
Incorporate foods with potassium like sweet potatoes, potatoes, greens, tomatoes and lower-sodium tomato sauce, white beans, kidney beans, nonfat yogurt, oranges, bananas and cantaloupe. Potassium helps counter the effects of sodium and may help lower your blood pressure.
What are symptoms of high sodium?
The main symptom of hypernatremia is excessive thirst. Other symptoms are lethargy, which is extreme fatigue and lack of energy, and possibly confusion. Advanced cases may also cause muscle twitching or spasms. That’s because sodium is important for how muscles and nerves work.
How long does it take for sodium levels to return to normal?
The medical team will restore the sodium level over the course of several hours or days, depending on the severity of your condition. A too-rapid infusion of sodium can lead to osmotic demyelination syndrome (ODS), a form of brain damage.
What are the symptoms of high sodium levels?
Symptoms of hypernatremia include:
- Muscle weakness.
- Restlessness.
- Extreme thirst.
- Confusion.
- Lethargy.
- Irritability.
- Seizures.
- Unconsciousness.
What medications can cause high sodium levels?
Drug Induced Hypernatraemia
- Diuretics.
- Sodium bicarbonate.
- Sodium chloride.
- Corticosteroids.
- Anabolic steroids.
- Adrenocorticotrophic steroids.
- Androgens.
- Oestrogens.
What are 3 causes of hypernatremia?
Hypernatremia is usually caused by limited access to water or an impaired thirst mechanism, and less commonly by diabetes insipidus. Manifestations include confusion, neuromuscular excitability, hyperreflexia, seizures, and coma.
What is the fastest way to correct sodium?
Treatment
- Intravenous fluids. Your doctor may recommend IV sodium solution to slowly raise the sodium levels in your blood.
- Medications. You may take medications to manage the signs and symptoms of hyponatremia, such as headaches, nausea and seizures.
How do you keep your sodium levels normal?
Here are several things you can do to help reduce your daily sodium intake:
- Read nutrition labels. Added salt (sodium chloride) contributes to your sodium intake, of course.
- Scrutinize restaurant meals. Restaurant meals, especially those purchased at chain restaurants, can be packed with sodium.
- Cut back on calories.
How long does it take to lower sodium levels?
But how long will this sodium stay in your system? Excess sodium from a high-salt meal typically takes 2 to 4 days to leave the body. This time can be decreased by drinking extra water, exercising, sweating, cutting back on salt, and eating fruits and vegetables high in potassium.
What are the symptoms of too much sodium in your body?
If too much salt in your diet makes you dehydrated, your stomach will feel it. You might feel nauseated, or you might have diarrhea. If your stomach is upset or you have cramps, take a look at what you’ve been eating during the past few days and figure out how to cut back on the salt.
What happens to someone if they have high sodium levels in the blood?
High levels of sodium in your blood means your blood doesn’t have enough water . In addition to triggering thirst, high blood sodium levels can lead to confusion, muscle twitching or a coma. A blood test is required to diagnose high sodium blood levels, but watching for early signs may help prevent serious consequences.
How do you raise sodium levels in blood?
– Although water is crucial to your health, you shouldn’t overconsume it. In general, your thirst should guide you to what is an appropriate amount of fluid. – Also take note of your urine color. – Reducing your water intake will help your body naturally raise its ratio of sodium to water.
What drugs cause high sodium levels?
Drugs (for example selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors and thiazide diuretics).
How to increase sodium levels in your blood?
Place your thumb on one side of the gripper and other fingers on the other side