Hyponatremia is a medical condition in which the body's sodium levels are too low. Natural remedies for hyponatremia include adequate salt intake and appropriate hydration. Severe hyponatremia is a medical emergency and can cause stroke, heart attack, seizures, coma and even death.
The body needs sodium. Sodium helps to keep the water balanced in the cells and is needed for many body functions. It is critical for life. Interestingly, too much water intake or too little water intake can each cause hyponatremia.
Low sodium can result from acute conditions like food poisoning or a stomach virus. If a person is purging excessively through vomiting and/or diarrhea, he will end up dehydrated and often low in sodium and other critical electrolytes as well.
When a person is involved in activities that cause the body to lose a lot of water through sweating (hard work in the sun, running marathons, etc.), even if he drinks plenty of water, the electrolytes lost in sweating can result in hyponatremia.
To prevent hyponatremia in the above situations, it is best to replace lost fluids with electrolyte rich fluids like sports drinks or other oral re-hydration solutions. These solutions usually have adequate sodium, calcium, potassium and magnesium to replace what is lost.
However, if vomiting or diarrhea is the cause of lost fluids, it may not be possible to adequately replace the lost fluids and electrolytes since they are purged more quickly than the body can use them. Children and the elderly are especially at risk for complications from severe vomiting or diarrhea. Medical attention in the form of IV fluids may be necessary.
Certain drugs, including diuretics, depression medications, and some recreational drugs can cause hyponatremia. Alcohol abuse can cause hyponatremia.
Hormonal problems, heart or kidney complications can cause hyponatremia.
Even drinking too much water can cause hyponatremia, especially if a lot of water is consumed at once. Too much water can over dilute the sodium in the blood, causing hyponatremia.
Prevention is the best solution for hyponatremia. Once a person has very low sodium levels, it can be difficult or dangerous to correct without medical intervention. The sodium levels must be brought up carefully and not too quickly.
To prevent hyponatremia, take good care of your health. Drink plenty of fluids but not all at once. If you are sweating a lot or losing fluids through vomiting or diarrhea, replace fluids with oral re-hydration solutions or sports drinks. While too much sodium in the diet can cause problems, moderate use of a quality salt is healthy for most people. High quality salts include Celtic sea salt, Himalayan pink salt etc.
If you have a medical condition that require medications that can cause hyponatremia, work with your doctor to keep your sodium level within a safe range.
If drug or alcohol abuse are the cause of your hyponatremia, get help for your addictions.
Severe hyponatremia can cause confusion, weakness, fainting, cramping, seizures and coma and requires immediate medical attention. Continue reading to learn what remedies have helped our readers and please send us your own home remedies to help this condition, if any!
