If your levels are abnormal, your doctor will order a urine test to check the amount of sodium in your urine. We include products we think are useful for our readers. In this brief article, we have talked about low sodium levels and alcohol, symptoms of low sodium levels and alcohol, causes of low sodium levels, and more information about low sodium levels and alcohol. Our adrenal glands produce hormones to help balance the water, sodium, and potassium levels. Low sodium levels may be a sign of dehydration or organ failure. It may include: Keeping your water and electrolyte levels in balance can help prevent low blood sodium. Martel, J., “Low Blood Sodium (Hyponatremia),” Healthline, March 27, 2017; http://www.healthline.com/health/hyponatremia#1, last accessed April 11, 2017. Normally, your sodium level should be between 135 and 145 milliequivalents per liter. What does it mean to have low blood sodium? While many of us are trying to reduce the amount of sodium we ingest, there are some people who need to boost their intake. Low sodium levels are often seen among the elderly, but among other age groups as well. Falsely low sodium levels Very high cholesterol levels. At first, people become sluggish and confused, and if hyponatremia worsens, they may have muscle twitches and seizures and become progressively unresponsive. A sodium blood test is a routine test that allows your doctor to see how much sodium is in your blood. What causes hyponatremia? Low blood sodium is caused by many factors such as loss of too much water and electrolytes from the body. The most common form is sodium chloride, found in table salt. Low sodium in your blood can cause a condition named Hyponatremia. Disclaimer: Results are not guaranteed*** and may vary from person to person***. © 2005-2020 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. Addison's disease can disrupt the balance of not only salt but also potassium and water. syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone, 6 Little-Known Dangers of Restricting Sodium Too Much, 13 Foods That Are Good for High Blood Pressure, Raise Low Blood Pressure Naturally Through Diet, drinking too much water during exercise (this is very rare). Our adrenal glands also need appropriate sleep, rest, and exercise to produce sufficient hormones to balance the electrolyte levels. An eight-ounce glass of the popular V8 brand may contain up to 500 milligrams of sodium, so be mindful of your daily intake. Blood sodium levels can drop gradually or rapidly, depending on the underlying cause. There are several common causes of low sodium, including diarrhea, excessive sweating, and vomiting . Your sodium levels may get too low if your body loses too much water and electrolytes. Regulatory mechanisms help control and maintain sodium levels. “Hyponatremia,” Mayo Clinic; http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hyponatremia/basics/treatment/con-20031445, last accessed April 10, 2017. Once the sodium level drops, our cells expand from the abundance of water present in the blood. Take a look at our list and see which ones you'd like to add…. 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This hormone plays a key role in water retention, but too much of it causes your body to store excess amounts of water. “Low Sodium Level,” Medline Plus; https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000394.htm, last accessed April 11, 2017. These drinks are also helpful if you lose a lot of fluids through vomiting or diarrhea. Metabolic alkalosis is a type of alkalosis that occurs when your blood becomes overly alkaline. We will next investigate hyponatremia causes. The […] Drug-induced hyponatraemia occurs in approximately 5% of … Based on your symptoms, the physical examination, and details of your medical history, you may be required to undergo a series of tests. Sodium is an electrolyte, and it helps regulate the amount of water that's in and around your cells.In hyponatremia, one or more factors — ranging from an underlying medical condition to drinking too much water — cause the sodium in your body to become diluted. Let’s explore what dangerously low sodium levels actually mean … A basic metabolic panel is often part of a routine physical. Low functioning adrenal glands and an underactive thyroid will cause sodium levels to drop. It occurs when your serum sodium level exceeds 145 mEq/L. Drugs What causes low sodium? It is generally defined as a sodium concentration of less than 135 mmol/L (135 mEq/L), with severe hyponatremia being below 120 mEq/L. Hyponatremia happens when too much sodium leaves your body, or when more water than sodium stays in your blood. Hormone conditions such as syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH) are among the main causes of low sodium levels. A low sodium level has many causes, including consumption of too many fluids, kidney failure, heart failure, cirrhosis, and use of diuretics. It’s caused less commonly by diabetes insipidus. Sodium and water levels in the body are tightly regulated to keep it functioning normally. If your sodium levels fall gradually, you may not experience any symptoms. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Medications, medical conditions, and fluid loss from sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting can all lead to hyponatremia. When sodium levels drop slowly, the condition is called chronic hyponatremia and patients may experience nausea, vomiting, headache and confusion. We may lose valuable nutrients, electrolytes, and fluids through severe bouts of diarrhea and vomiting. It occurs when a person doesn’t get enough water, either because of limited access to water or an impaired thirst mechanism. Hyponatremia causes can be linked to direct and indirect factors. Sodium concentration is higher in the bloodstream than inside cells. Hyponatremia causes neurologic symptoms ranging from confusion to seizures to coma. Hyponatremia refers to a low level of sodium in the blood. Most foods have sodium in them. Low blood sodium is common in older adults, especially those who … A blood test can help your doctor check for low sodium levels. Some of the known causes of low sodium levels include: SIADH leads the body to produce the antidiuretic hormone, also known as vasopressin, in excess. Low blood sodium (hyponatremia) occurs when you have an abnormally low amount of sodium in your blood or when you have too much water in your blood. 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. Hyponatremia is a low sodium concentration in the blood. The recreational drug ecstasy, which is an amphetamine, can cause salt levels to become dangerously low. It may identify low blood sodium in someone without any symptoms. The sodium levels in our blood become depleted as we sweat, and we may overcompensate by drinking too much water. Learn more about conditions associated with abnormal results. These drinks contain electrolytes, and help replenish sodium lost through sweating. If you have any questions about low sodium levels and alcohol, please let us know and the team will gladly answer your questions. Our adrenal glands produce hormones to help balance the water, sodium, and potassium levels. Although the American Heart Association estimates 97% of Americans consume too much sodium, hyponatremia is a common condition. Drugs like corticosteroids, laxatives, bicarbonate, and diuretics may also.Health conditions affecting … The condition in which your blood level of sodium is abnormally low is called hyponatremia. Common symptoms of low blood sodium include: Many factors can cause low blood sodium. Hyponatremia occurs when your sodium level goes below 135 mEq/L. Causes of Low Sodium Levels. This can cause mild symptoms of nausea and headaches and eventually lead to rapid brain swelling and death. 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