Interesting Facts About Sodium
If you are searching for interesting facts about sodium, then you will certainly find a lot here. Not everyone thinks sodium is great, nor does everyone assume that it is good. But, aside from the fact that the human body needs a type of sodium to function properly, what else is it about sodium that is needed, wanted, or useful?
For those of you who like pickles, you probably know that most of these are preserved with some level of sodium. So, if you are interested in lowering your sodium intake, you might want to consider reducing the number of pickles you eat. You should also be aware that food items like olives and sauerkraut have sodium as well.
Interesting Facts About Sodium:
There is more sodium in our modern day food items than you realize. In fact, that's why some food manufacturers have started to reduce the level of sodium in their food items because of the pressure to minimize sodium. For example, just compare the sodium levels in canned soup, plain versus barbecued potato chips and you'll be astounded at the difference. Not only should you be sodium conscious, but you may also want to compare the amount of carbohydrates especially if you are a diabetic.
On the other hand, you can experience a deficiency in sodium which can lead to seizures, muscle spasms, and a depletion of sodium can be caused by excessive drinking of water or profuse sweating. This is usually not the case because our diets are usually heavy on sodium without even knowing it. Snack foods, cheese, bacon, ham, pickles, soy sauce, ketchup, just to name a few, all contain sodium.
Table salt is approximately 40% sodium while the remainder is made of chloride. In North America, and elsewhere, sodium useage on a daily basis far exceeds what we really need for proper functioning of the body. Part of this excess is through processed foods where, in the past, we did not know how much sodium was present. Modern labelling requirements have alerted us to sodium content, and if you pay attention to these labels, you will soon discover its high concentration.
Sodium in vegetables is usually very low or trace except for celery and spinach. For some foods, you can wash away some of the sodium content, for example green beans, tuna, and cottage cheese.
Did you know that sodium (salt) can be used in the following ways:
- use salt to cover and absorb wine stains, vacuum, and then rinse with clean water
- you can sprinkle in cupboards to help keep ants away
- can be used to help clean a stained coffee pot
- can be added to a vase with water to help preserve cut flowers longer
- use a teaspoon of salt diluted in warm water to gargle a sore throat