Sodium
Sodium controls fluid balance and blood pressure. Low sodium (hyponatremia) is the most common electrolyte disorder in hospitalized patients.
Have your own lab results?
Upload your test and get a personalized meal plan targeting your specific sodium level.
What Sodium measures
Sodium is the dominant electrolyte in blood and the main determinant of blood volume. A low or high sodium value usually reflects water imbalance more than salt intake — it tells you how much water is in your body relative to sodium, not how much salt you ate.
Normal ranges
Reference ranges may vary slightly by lab. Always use the range provided on your specific test report.
What affects your sodium level
- SIADH (excess antidiuretic hormone — water retention)
- Heart failure, kidney disease, or liver cirrhosis
- Medications: SSRIs, certain diuretics, NSAIDs
- Excess water intake (rare — endurance athletes)
- Severe vomiting or diarrhea (causes high)
- Inadequate water intake or dehydration (causes high)
Foods that may help
Salty broths and bone broth
Replenishes sodium without overwhelming the system
Olives, pickles, fermented foods
Naturally sodium-dense foods for mild low
Electrolyte drinks (low sugar)
Useful in athletes after heavy sweating
Whole-food cooking
Reducing processed food helps high sodium
Potassium-rich produce
Helps balance high-sodium states
When to see your doctor
Any sodium value outside the normal range warrants doctor input. Severe hyponatremia (< 120) can cause confusion and seizures and is a medical emergency. Don't try to correct sodium through diet alone — the underlying water-balance issue usually needs medical evaluation.
Related biomarkers
Get your own personalized plan
Upload your health test PDF and our AI will create a personalized interpretation and meal plan targeting your specific biomarkers, in minutes.
Educational content only · Not medical advice