Sodium And Potassium Imbalance Explained In Layman'S Terms

While there is still so much to learn, we are beginning to understand the dynamics of the cells of the human body. Many cell functions, as you may recall, are much like the behavior of a pump or a battery. In fact, every cell has its own electrical system consisting of a power generator that provides electricity to operate other mechanisms.

In cells, electricity is driven by positive ions of sodium (Na + cells). How the cell produces energy is through a mechanism called the sodium potassium pump. In the 40s and 50s it was discovered that cell surface mechanisms that pump sodium inward and potassium outward produce an intracellular environment high in potassium and low in sodium.

We can imagine then that the relationship between the two nutrients is essential for cellular function and that an excess as a deficiency of both may result in unhealthy consequences.

An excess of sodium outside the cell due to excessive intake ultimately makes the sodium penetrate the interior of the cell. The amount of sodium or salt in the diet that may be excessive for the cell depends on several factors and varies from individual to individual. Some individuals will be better able to withstand high levels of sodium and salt restriction the most.

If there is a deficiency of magnesium or potassium, or if the cell is loaded with toxins, even a small amount of sodium can be dangerous. When the sodium enters the cell it is accompanied by an excess of water. This excess fluid dilutes the cellular contents. The biochemistry of the cell ceases to function normally when the enzymes, substrates and cofactors are reduced to lower concentrations.

Excess sodium in the interior of the cell, in turn, facilitates the entry of acids and toxins and the cell producing less energy required for the detoxification processes. The cells stop working efficiently when it comes to pumping sodium and potassium.

The sodium and potassium pump not only provides energy to the cell but also helps run another mechanism essential for the health of the cell, the calcium pump. Calcium pump allows three sodium ions enter the cell and the energy that is released comes a calcium ion. This type of mechanism exists in the surface of nerve cells and muscle.

The dissolved calcium inside the cell should be many times less than the one on the outside. This is especially important in the cells of muscles, since a small increase in intracellular calcium causes the muscle to contract. If this occurs in the muscles of the arteries, there will be tension leading to an increase in blood pressure.

Moreover, an increase of intracellular calcium level increases the growth and cell division and can also increased production of collagen, which causes hardening of tissues and arteries within them.

A deficiency of magnesium inside the cell leads to a decrease in the activity of the sodium and potassium pump which in turn slows the calcium pump. Magnesium is not only necessary for the operation of the sodium and potassium pump but it also stabilizes the cell membrane that has biological "doors" for preventing the calcium from entering unnecessarily.

The maintenance of adequate levels of calcium, sodium, potassium and magnesium is vital. We must help out the cell’s metabolism with adequate levels of these nutrients in the diet.

Toxins attack the cell at its most vulnerable level of structure, such as the enzymes, membranes and nucleic acids. The real nutrition should cover everything that we absorb the environment, not only from food.

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