Hyponatremia is a condition characterized by low levels of sodium in the blood. Low blood sodium is common in older adults, especially those who … There are some suggestions for low sodium treatment at home, which also may help to prevent levels from dropping. Hyponatremia is a low sodium concentration in the blood. Very high blood sugar levels. Causes of low sodium include: severe vomiting or diarrhea taking certain medications, including antidepressants and pain medications taking diuretics (water pills) Cancers such as small cell lung carcinoma, pancreatic cancer, lymphoma and certain brain tumors can cause a condition known as the syndrome of inappropriate anti-diuretic hormone (SIADH) secretion. The condition in which your blood level of sodium is abnormally low is called hyponatremia. It's also called a serum sodium test. Lundman, S., “Is V8 Juice Good for You?” Livestrong, December 18, 2013; http://www.livestrong.com/article/409207-is-v8-juice-good-for-you/, last accessed April 11, 2017. But why is it so important to maintain a good balance within your sodium levels in the body? drug induced low sodium FREE subscriptions for doctors and students... click here You have 3 open access pages. The official hyponatremia definition is the lack of sodium in the blood necessary to regulate the water used by our cells. Hyponatremia treatment starts with increasing sodium levels in the blood as determined by the cause. The recreational drug ecstasy, which is an amphetamine, can cause salt levels to become dangerously low. As our blood sodium levels drop, it is important to take note of recent lifestyle changes, any existing or new health conditions, and possible effects of prescribed medication. If you have any questions about low sodium levels and alcohol, please let us know and the team will gladly answer your questions. When you’re adequately hydrated, your urine will be pale yellow or clear, and you won’t feel thirsty. Low sodium in your blood can cause a condition named Hyponatremia. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. If you seek medical advice for any of these symptoms, you can expect a thorough examination by your physician. Sodium deficiency in cases of normal fluid volume are most often caused by adrenal insufficiency, hypothyroidism, or drinking too much beer or water. This stage causes us to lose electrolytes such as sodium and other fluids. Low sodium levels may be a sign of dehydration or organ failure. Severe symptoms include confusion, seizures, and coma. Under a doctor’s care, or as an existing hospital patient, you may receive a prescribed dose of diuretics, a sodium solution through intravenous injection or pill form, for the symptoms. A low sodium in blood level can lead to scary outcomes if ignored. Function of Sodium. If your levels are abnormal, your doctor will order a urine test to check the amount of sodium in your urine. Older adults and young children are more susceptible to electrolyte and fluid imbalances. Metabolic alkalosis is a type of alkalosis that occurs when your blood becomes overly alkaline. Drinks such as hot chocolate, flavored coffees, and fruit juices may have high sodium content but do not offer essential nutrients. taking medications for symptoms such as headaches, nausea, and seizures, infusing an intravenous (IV) sodium solution. Most foods have sodium in them. Drinks enriched with sodium such as vegetable juices can boost your blood sodium levels. We include products we think are useful for our readers. Some of the known causes of low sodium levels include: Symptoms of low blood sodium can vary from person to person. Hyponatremia occurs when sodium levels in the blood are too low. Our adrenal glands also need appropriate sleep, rest, and exercise to produce sufficient hormones to balance the electrolyte levels. Low sodium levels (hypotonicity) cause cells to maintain water and swell. The results of this test will help your doctor determine the cause of your low blood sodium: Treatment for low blood sodium varies depending on the cause. Hyponatremia causes neurologic symptoms ranging from confusion to seizures to coma. Certain health conditions can create an environment within our body where fluid retention is a major factor. A blood test can help your doctor check for low sodium levels. While many of us are trying to reduce the amount of sodium we ingest, there are some people who need to boost their intake. When looking for high-sodium drinks to increase levels, limit beverages that do not have any nutritional benefit. There are several symptoms that indicate the sodium levels in your blood have dropped too low. We may lose valuable nutrients, electrolytes, and fluids through severe bouts of diarrhea and vomiting. Sodium plays a key role in your body function. 10 Ways to Control Blood Sugar without Medication, Low Sodium in Blood (Hyponatremia): Definition, Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment, http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hyponatremia/basics/treatment/con-20031445, http://healthyeating.sfgate.com/drinks-increase-sodium-intake-10730.html, http://www.healthline.com/health/hyponatremia#1, https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000394.htm, http://www.livestrong.com/article/409207-is-v8-juice-good-for-you/. The best sports drinks will have 100 milligrams of sodium, 14 grams of carbohydrates, and 28 milligrams of potassium in an eight-ounce serving. Symptoms result from brain dysfunction. In these cases the result for the blood sodium will be low but that … Drug-induced hyponatraemia occurs in approximately 5% of … If your blood sodium levels are low but your urine sodium levels are high, your body is losing too much sodium. An eight-ounce glass of the popular V8 brand may contain up to 500 milligrams of sodium, so be mindful of your daily intake. Hyponatremia may also be a symptom of certain medical conditions. Health conditions affecting our hormone balance can also cause hyponatremia. Here are 6 reasons why restricting sodium too much can be harmful. What Are These Tiny Red Spots on My Skin (Petechiae)? Medications, medical conditions, and fluid loss from sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting can all lead to hyponatremia. Drugs like corticosteroids, laxatives, bicarbonate, and diuretics may also.Health conditions affecting … People who suffer from SIADH produce excess amounts of the antidiuretic hormone (ADH). 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