Go Low and Take it Slow

What level of sodium becomes injurious to women health?

It is mostly agreed that Sodium is an essential mineral for the body, we all need the daily recommended amount of sodium for a proper functioning of our body like maintaining blood pressure, maintaining a level of body fluids etc. The normal level for blood sodium is 145 mEg/L. Sodium levels higher than this may cause Hypernatremia, a condition that causes symptoms such as confusion, Hyperreflexia, seizures, coma and Neuromuscular excitability. The recommended dietary allowance of sodium for adults in 500mg and not more than 2300 mg per day and between 120-400mg per day for children.

Sodium content in drinking water is not usually a major health concern unless the person suffers from any condition that requires them to restrict the sodium intake. Drinking water may contribute to 10% of an individual’s total sodium intake.

Everything is good when consumed in moderation and sodium intake is no exception. Sodium if consumed in excess quantities may be a contributor to many diseases, particularly for people suffering from chronic conditions like Hypertension. It has been said that sodium in drinking water causes elevation of blood pressure, although it is still not proven. Even in women, high dietary sodium intake can cause cardiovascular diseases and add the same through the intake of water can increase the risk. Increased intake of water high in sodium content during pregnancy can harm the infant.

What kind of issues they can face if they are drinking high sodium water?

Excess sodium consumption will lead to the excess availability of sodium in the blood which leads to restrained blood vessels. This will, in turn, cause the cardiac muscles to thicken which can cause increased risk of hypertension, stroke and CCF (congestive cardiac failure).

Otherwise generally sodium content in drinking water does not pose as much a risk because there are regulations for the level of sodium content in bottled waters and that amount may not necessarily cause adverse effects on the health of an individual unless one is on a sodium free diet.

How precautions woman in Dubai should take?

Sodium content in water is close to negligible, high content of sodium is definitely not good and will harm the body, hence when worrying about excess sodium content, one should think of the sodium content in the food consumed than the water. Because of the hot weather in Dubai, a lot of people generally get dehydrated, hence the amount of water consumed may not be possible to limit but what can be done is reducing the sodium intake in food. Precautionary measures to reduce sodium intake is eating a lot more of fresh food, opting for ‘low sodium’ products, excluding salt from recipes whenever possible, limiting the use of sodium laden condiments like soy sauce, salad dressings, sauces, dips, mustard etc. Instead of more spices and herbs must be used to season the food, salt substitutes should also be used wisely.

Dr.Keya Rahul Shivadey

Specialist Obstetrician & Gynaecologist

Aster Clinic, Business Bay