The Dangers of Consuming Too Much Salt

November 25, 2015



Diabetes

As with many substances consumed in excess, too much salt in your diet can cause health issues. Here’s a look at the short term and long term side effects of eating too much salt (sodium) and tips to keep your consumption of this essential mineral at a healthy level.

 

The importance of salt

The human body requires salt (sodium) to function properly. Once ingested and dispersed into the blood stream and other fluids of the body, salt takes on several responsibilities. It regulates the electrolytes that allow the brain to carry out electrical signals through to the nerves and muscles, and also controls fluid levels, such as the total blood volume, which subsequently affects blood pressure. Salt also stimulates the adrenal glands, reduces sunstroke, and helps to keep other important minerals in the bloodstream.

Only a small amount of salt is needed on a daily basis to perform these essential functions. The recommended daily allowance of salt for the average adult is approximately 2,400mg per day, which is roughly equivalent to one teaspoon of traditional table salt (sodium chloride). However, many people consume salt far in excess of the recommended daily amount, which can lead to health problems.

 

Short term effects of consuming too much salt

After consuming high amounts of salt, the short term affects are noticeable shortly thereafter.

Common short term side effects of consuming too much salt include swollen hands and feet or a swollen face. Some people become bloated because of water retention or feel excessively thirsty after a salty meal. The affects are generally short lived, and after drinking several glasses of water and deliberately reducing the sodium intake in upcoming meals, the body eliminates the excess sodium and returns to a less swollen state.

 

Long term effects of consuming too much salt

More serious side effects occur when consumers ingest high amounts of salt over long periods of time.

The increased level of sodium in the bloodstream reduces the kidneys’ ability to remove water, therefore increasing the overall blood volume and placing stress on the body’s blood vessels. High blood pressure can eventually lead to strokes and congestive heart failure. As the kidneys constantly work overtime to flush out excess salt, they can develop kidney disease.

Consuming too much salt over long periods of time can also lead to fluid collecting in the body’s tissues and cavities. Additionally, a high sodium diet may cause the body to excrete calcium in small amounts, which can eventually lead to osteoporosis.

 

Reducing the consumption of high-sodium foods

The first step in maintaining a healthy level of salt consumption is knowing which foods are high in sodium. This allows you to make informed decisions on how much and how often you should consume high-sodium foods.

Snacks such as chips, pretzels, dried seafood or meats, and salted nuts are high in sodium. Often canned foods (beans, vegetables, and soups) have added salt in the form of flavor enhancers or preservatives, as do pre-packaged foods.

Table salt is not the only compound high in sodium. Baking soda and baking powder are also high in salt – as are MSG and fish sauce, two common additives in Thai cooking.

Keep in mind that salt (sodium) is an essential nutrient, so consuming too little can have a negative impact on your health as well. Your doctor can advise on how much salt is safe to consume – whether it’s the standard recommended amount or less, depends on your health.

By Dr. Chulaporn Roongpisuthipong, Clinical Nutritionist, Diabetes Program, Bumrungrad Hospital

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When to take, side effects, and more

Salt tablets are available over the counter in health stores and online. But are they effective in combating low levels of sodium in the body?

And should people use them to offset the effects of intensive exercise?

This article looks at when people use salt tablets, their benefits and side effects, and whether they can help prevent dehydration.

Salt tablets, or salt pills, may help replace low levels of sodium in the body. Sodium is both a mineral and an electrolyte. The body needs electrolytes to regulate fluids in the body, ensuring hydration and helping the body function well.

A doctor may prescribe or recommend salt tablets when a person has symptoms of hyponatremia, meaning they have low levels of sodium in the blood. A normal blood sodium level is around 135–145 milliequivalents/liter (mEq/L).

A doctor will diagnose hyponatremia when levels of sodium fall to under 135 mEq/L. According to the National Kidney Foundation, causes of hyponatremia include:

• kidney failure, when the kidneys are unable to rid the body of extra fluid
• congestive heart failure, when excess fluid builds up in the body
• diuretics (water pills), which increases sodium in urine
• more sweating than usual
• severe vomiting or diarrhea, which depletes the body of fluids and salt
• excessive thirst, causing too much fluid intake

Exercise can also cause exercise-associated hyponatremia. This happens when athletes, often long-distance runners, consume too much water during physical activity, depleting natural levels of sodium.

As a result, many marathon and long-distance runners take salt tablets before or during long runs to avoid cramps associated with low levels of electrolytes.

An underlying medical condition, such as cystic fibrosis, can cause the body to lose more salt in sweat, especially in children and young adults with the condition. A doctor may prescribe salt tablets to prevent hyponatremia from developing.

People take salt tablets for many reasons, such as to:

• improve hydration during exercise, particularly during endurance activities
• keep a good balance of electrolytes in the body after illness or exercise
• manage symptoms and side effects of underlying conditions

There is some evidence to suggest that salt tablets are an effective treatment for hyponatremia.

A 2020 study into their use as a treatment for hyponatremia found a small but significant increase in people’s sodium blood levels, compared with people who did not receive salt tablets.

However, there is less evidence to suggest that they are effective in preventing illness caused by long-distance running.

A 2021 study into the effect of sodium supplements and climate during ultramarathons, found that salt tablets did not appear to protect athletes from symptoms of low electrolytes, such as cramps. Instead, they found that factors such as body mass, longer training distances, and avoiding excessive fluid intake were more important in preventing these issues.

Salt tablets should not cause any specific side effects at their recommended dosage. However, if a person takes far more than the recommended dosage, they may experience hypernatremia, which is when a person has too much salt in their body.

Symptoms of hypernatremia include:

• weakness
• dizziness
• thirst
• swelling of the tongue
• restlessness
• flushed skin
• headache
• a fast heart rate
• high blood pressure
• delirium

A person taking salt tablets who notices any of the above symptoms should stop taking them straight away and call a doctor.

Before taking salt tablets, a person should inform their doctor of anything that may be relevant, such as allergies, underlying health conditions such as high blood pressure or kidney disease, or whether they are pregnant or breastfeeding.

People can purchase salt tablets over the counter, but if a person takes an excessive amount of salt tablets, they may experience potentially serious symptoms.

People taking salt tablets should follow the guidance of their doctor or follow the dosage instructions on the packaging. Taking tablets with food may reduce the likelihood of an upset stomach.

Salt tablets usually contain around 400 milligrams of sodium. They should be safely stored at room temperature, around 59–86°F (15–30°C).

People can dissolve salt tablets in water to make an isotonic solution. Dissolve one tablet in 4 ounces of water and take as directed by a doctor or healthcare professional.

People who are taking salt tablets to prevent heat cramps should take one tablet orally as directed by a doctor.

There is evidence to suggest that salt tablets can help prevent dehydration in certain situations.

A small 2016 study found evidence to support the use of salt supplementation to prevent dehydration during exercise. Researchers found that a solution of sodium chloride tablets and water helped athletes retain fluid during exercise, compared with athletes who used an alternative glycerol-based solution.

It is important to note that this study showed the sodium solution outperformed salt tablets when people took them on their own. People should drink plenty of water with the tablets.

Another 2016 study into burn victims found that salt tablets dissolved in 1 liter of water were effective in treating dehydration, a common side effect of burns.

However, the Texas Heart Institute warns that people should avoid taking salt tablets without water or other electrolytes because they can worsen dehydration.

People who wish to take salt tablets to help with dehydration during exercise should talk with a doctor before taking them. They may consider choosing salt solutions and electrolyte or sports drinks instead of salt tablets alone.

Salt tablets may help increase low levels of sodium in the blood and balance electrolytes in the body. They may be suitable for use by people with underlying health conditions and athletes.

A person who takes more salt tablets than the recommended dose may notice irritability, a high heart rate, and dizziness, among other symptoms. People wishing to take salt tablets for exercise should talk with a doctor first.

Indications, contraindications, side effects, RLS

CONTRAINDICATIONS AVAILABLE. POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS. A SPECIALIST’S CONSULTATION IS REQUIRED. Poisoning Solutions

Author of the article

Dolgikh Natalia Vadimovna,

Diploma of Pharmaceutical Education: 105924 3510859 reg. number 31944

All authors

Contents of the article

• Sodium thiosulfate: RLS
• Sodium thiosulfate: what it is used for
• Sodium thiosulfate: benefits and harms
• Sodium thiosulfate: contraindications
• Sodium thiosulfate: side effects
• Summary
• Ask an expert on the topic of the article

The ability to extract metals has taken mankind to a new level. Thanks to these fusible materials, people can create new, previously unseen benefits. Nevertheless, along with the indisputable benefits for the household component of life, metals can adversely affect human health. Metal poisoning can lead to serious consequences and even death. Thus, lead affects a number of systems: it enters the brain, liver and kidneys, and over time accumulates in the teeth and bones. In 2019There were 2 million deaths in 2008 from identified exposure to chemicals, and half of these were due to lead ingestion.

The pharmacist will tell you about a detoxifying drug called sodium thiosulfate: he will acquaint you with indications for use, contraindications and side effects.

Sodium thiosulfate: RLS

Sodium thiosulfate is a drug from the group of complexing agents. The drug is registered in the State Register of Medicines (GRLS) as sodium thiosulfate ampoules with a solution for intravenous administration at a dosage of 300 mg / ml.

The name of the active substance sodium thiosulfate sounds identical to the commercial one. Solution auxiliaries usually include sodium bicarbonate and water for injection. It is important to note that sodium thiosulfate tablets are not available.

All products Sodium thiosulfate 20 reviews

Sodium thiosulfate: what is used for

When administered intravenously, the drug has a detoxifying effect, and the main purpose of the sodium thiosulfate solution is to cleanse the body in case of poisoning with mercury, hydrocyanic acid, arsenic, lead and other toxic compounds . The drug exhibits different mechanisms of action depending on the toxic substance. For example, when the body is damaged by arsenic, a dropper of sodium thiosulfate promotes the formation of non-toxic sulfates, and when mercury enters, it converts the compound into a less toxic one.

Questions about the use of sodium thiosulfate in case of poisoning with other substances, as well as some other diseases, are common. Let’s analyze the most frequent requests:

• Sodium thiosulfate for allergies: in rare cases, sodium thiosulfate is used in the complex treatment of allergic diseases at the discretion of a doctor;
• Sodium thiosulfate for psoriasis: the drug is not included in the official clinical guidelines for the treatment of psoriasis, approved by the Russian Ministry of Health;
• Sodium thiosulfate in alcohol intoxication: the simultaneous use of alcohol and sodium thiosulfate increases the risk of adverse reactions such as vomiting, headache and a drop in blood pressure. Nevertheless, to eliminate alcohol poisoning, droppers can be used in a hospital setting.

Sodium thiosulfate: benefits and harms

The benefits of sodium thiosulfate are undeniable – it is the neutralization of highly toxic products that have entered the body from the outside. However, there is also harm from the use of the drug. So, with the accelerated introduction of a solution of sodium thiosulfate, nausea and vomiting are noted, and cases of overdose have also been reported. When the permissible dose is exceeded, a decrease in blood oxygen saturation by almost 75% is observed.

Sodium thiosulfate: contraindications

Caution is advised when prescribing sodium thiosulfate to people with renal insufficiency and the elderly, as salt excretion may be delayed due to impaired renal function. Complete contraindications for the use of the drug include:

• Hypersensitivity to the components of the drug;
• Under 18 years of age.

Sodium thiosulfate side effects

• Allergy,
• Lowering blood pressure,
• Headache,
• Inability to navigate in space,
• Nausea and vomiting,
• Bleeding prolongation,
• Taste of salt in the mouth,
• Warm feeling.

Summary

• Sodium thiosulfate is a drug from the group of complexing agents.
• The main purpose of sodium thiosulfate solution is to cleanse the body in case of poisoning with mercury, hydrocyanic acid salts, arsenic, lead and other toxic compounds.
• Nausea and vomiting have been reported with rapid administration of sodium thiosulfate solution, and cases of overdose have been reported.
• Sodium thiosulfate has contraindications and side effects.

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Sodium chloride Solution for infusion 0.9% 250 ml 10 pcs

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Product code:
52614

Country of origin:
Russia

Release form:
Solution

Active ingredients:
Sodium chloride

Dispensing order:
Prescription

There are contraindications, consult your doctor

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453 ₽

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Country of origin:
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Release form:
Solution

Active ingredients:
Sodium chloride

Dispensing order:
Prescription

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Characteristics

Characteristics

Information

Instructions for use

Description

Clear, colorless solution.

Active ingredients

Sodium chloride

Release form

Solution

Composition

1 liter of the drug contains the active substance: sodium chloride 9 g. Auxiliary eeufecmeo: water for injection up to 1 liter.

Pharmacological effect

It has a detoxifying and rehydrating effect. Compensates for sodium deficiency in various pathological conditions of the body and temporarily increases the volume of fluid circulating in the vessels.
The pharmacodynamic properties of the solution are due to the presence of sodium ions and chloride ions. A number of ions, including sodium ions, penetrate the cell membrane using various transport mechanisms, among which the sodium-potassium pump (Na-K-ATPase) is of great importance. Sodium plays an important role in signaling in neurons in the electrophysiological processes of the heart as well as in metabolic processes in the kidneys.

Pharmacokinetics

Sodium is excreted primarily by the kidneys, but a large amount of sodium is reabsorbed (renal reabsorption). A small amount of sodium is excreted in feces and perspiration.

Indications

Isotonic extracellular dehydration,
– Hyponatremia,
– Dilution and dissolution of parenterally administered medicinal substances (as a stock solution).

Contraindications

Hypernatremia acidosis hyperchloremia hypokalemia extracellular hyperhydration, circulatory disorders threatening cerebral and pulmonary edema, cerebral edema pulmonary edema acute left ventricular failure concomitant administration of glucocorticosteroids in large doses.
When adding other drugs to the solution, contraindications to these drugs must be taken into account.

Precautions

Decompensated chronic heart failure arterial hypertension peripheral edema preeclampsia chronic renal failure (oligo-anuria) aldosteronism and other conditions associated with sodium retention in the body.

Use in pregnancy and lactation

The solution can be administered during pregnancy and lactation.

Dosage and administration

Intravenously (usually by drip). The required dose can be calculated in mEq or mmol sodium mass of sodium ions or mass of sodium chloride (1 g NaCl = 394 mg 171 mEq or 171 mmol Na and C1).
The dose is determined depending on the state of the patient’s body fluid loss Na + and C1- age of the patient’s body weight. Serum and urinary electrolyte concentrations should be closely monitored.
The dose of sodium chloride solution for adults is: from 500 ml to 3 liters per day.
The dose of sodium chloride solution for children is: from 20 ml to 100 ml per day per kg of body weight (depending on age and total body weight).
The rate of administration depends on the condition of the patient.
The recommended dose when used for dilution and dissolution of parenteral drugs (as a basic solvent solution) is in the range from 50 ml to 250 ml per dose of the administered drug. In this case, the dose and rate of administration of the solution are determined by the recommendations for the use of the administered drug.

Side effects

Acidosis hyperhydration hypokalemia.
When used correctly, unwanted effects are unlikely.
Adverse reactions possibly associated with a violation of the injection technique: febrile fever, infection at the injection site, local tenderness or other reaction, irritation of the vein wall, venous thrombosis or phlebitis spreading from the injection site, extravasation.
Hypervolemia.
When using sodium chloride solution 09% as a base solution (solvent) for other drugs, the likelihood of side effects is determined by the properties of these drugs.
In this case, if adverse reactions occur, the administration of the solution should be suspended, the patient’s condition should be assessed, adequate measures should be taken and the remaining solution should be stored for analysis if necessary.
If any of the side effects indicated in the instructions are aggravated or you notice any other side effects not listed in the instructions, tell your doctor.

Overdose

Symptoms:
nausea vomiting diarrhea crampy abdominal pain thirst decreased salivation and tearing sweating fever tachycardia increased blood pressure kidney failure peripheral edema pulmonary edema respiratory arrest headache dizziness anxiety irritability weakness muscle cramps and rigidity generalized convulsions coma and death.
Excessive administration of the solution can cause hypernatremia.
Excessive intake of chloride in the body can lead to bicarbonate deficiency and hyperchloremic acidosis.
When used as a stock solution to dilute and dissolve other drugs, the symptoms and complaints of overdose are most often related to the properties of the drugs administered.
In case of inadvertent overdose of the solution, treatment should be discontinued and the patient’s condition assessed.
Treatment: symptomatic.

Interactions with other drugs

Not described.
When mixed with other medicinal products, compatibility must be checked visually. To do this, it is necessary to observe the resulting solution for a change in its color and/or precipitation of the appearance of crystals of insoluble complexes. It is also necessary to take into account the instructions for use of the added drugs.

Special instructions

When conducting any infusion, it is necessary to monitor the patient’s condition for clinical and biological indicators, it is especially important to evaluate plasma electrolytes. In children, the immaturity of kidney function may slow sodium excretion. Therefore, in such patients, repeated infusions should be carried out only after determining the concentration of sodium in the plasma.
Use only a clear solution without visible inclusions and if the packaging is not damaged. Enter immediately after connecting to the infusion system.
Do not use series connection of plastic containers. This can lead to an air embolism due to the suction of air remaining in the first container, which can occur before the solution from the next container arrives. The solution should be administered using sterile equipment in compliance with the rules of asepsis and antisepsis. To prevent air from entering the infusion system, it should be filled with solution, releasing the residual air from the container completely. You can add other drugs to the solution before or during the infusion by injection into the area of ​​​​the container specially designed for this.
As with all parenteral solutions, the compatibility of the added substances with the solution must be determined before reconstitution.
Should not be used with sodium chloride solution 09% drugs known to be incompatible with it. The compatibility of the added medicinal substances with a solution of sodium chloride 09% should be determined by the doctor by checking for a possible change in color and / or the appearance of a precipitate of insoluble complexes or crystals.
Before adding, it is necessary to determine whether the added substance is soluble and stable in water at a pH level similar to sodium chloride solution 09. When adding the drug, it is necessary to determine the isotonicity of the resulting solution before infusion. Before adding drugs to the solution, they must be thoroughly mixed in compliance with the rules of asepsis. The prepared solution should be administered immediately after preparation, do not store!
The addition of other drugs or a violation of the administration technique may cause fever due to the possible ingestion of pyrogens. In case of development of undesirable reactions, it is necessary to immediately stop the introduction of the solution.
Before using the solution, the container should not be removed from the outer protective polypropylene / polyamide bag in which it is placed, as it maintains the sterility of the drug.
Instructions for using containers Viaflo® (Viaflo)
1. Opening the package.
A. Remove the Viaflo container from the outer pouch immediately before use.
b. By tightly squeezing the container, it is necessary to check it for its integrity. If mechanical damage is found, the container should be disposed of as sterility may be compromised.
V. Check the solution for transparency and the absence of inclusions. The container should be disposed of if the transparency is broken or there are inclusions.
2. Preparation for use.
Use sterile materials to prepare and inject the solution.
A. Hang the container from the loop to the tripod.
b. Remove the plastic fuse from the outlet port located at the bottom of the container:
– grasp the small wing on the mouth of the outlet port with one hand
– grasp the large wing on the lid with your other hand and twist
– the lid will open.
V. When setting up an infusion system, you should follow the rules of antiseptics.
d. Set up the infusion set according to the instructions for connecting, filling the system and injecting the solution, which are contained in the instructions for the system.
3. Adding other drugs to the solution.
Attention: the added drugs may not be compatible with the solution.
To add before the introduction:
A. Disinfect the drug injection area on the container (drug injection port).
b. Using a syringe with a 19 needle- 22 sizes (110 – 070 mm) make a puncture in this area and inject the drug.
V. Thoroughly mix the drug with the solution. For drugs with a high density such as potassium chloride, carefully inject the drug through the syringe while holding the container so that the injection port is on top (upside down) and mix.
Caution: do not store containers in which drugs have been added.
To add the drug during administration:
A. Move the system clamp that regulates the supply of solution to the “Closed” position.
b. Disinfect the drug injection area on the container (drug injection port).
V. Using a syringe with a 19 needle- 22 sizes (110 – 070 mm) make a puncture in this area and inject the drug.
d. Remove the container from the rack and/or turn it upside down.
e. Purge air from both ports.
e. Thoroughly mix the drug with the solution.
and. Return the container to the working position, move the clamp of the system to the “Open” position and continue the introduction.
Containers should be disposed of after a single use.
Each unused dose should be discarded.
Do not reconnect partially used containers (regardless of the amount of solution remaining in them).
Influence on the ability to drive transport. cf. and fur.:
Not described.

Storage conditions

At a temperature not exceeding 25 °C. Stored out of the reach of children.

Prescription

Yes

Q&A

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