How is Sodium used in the body? I need to know this for some Food Tech reaserch. Thanks.

Thank you for using the Jiskha Homework Help Forum. The body uses sodium to regulate blood pressure and blood volume. Sodium is also critical for the functioning of muscles and nerves. ...

Since this is not my area of expertise, I searched Google under the key words "salt body health" to get these possible sources:

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http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/sodium/NU00284
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http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/medical_notes/393201.stm

I hope this helps a little more. Thanks for asking.

Sodium is an essential mineral that plays important roles in the body. It is used for various functions such as regulating blood pressure, maintaining fluid balance, transmitting nerve impulses, and aiding in muscle contraction.

To understand how sodium is used in the body, it is helpful to know that it exists in the form of sodium ions (Na+) when dissolved in bodily fluids like blood and interstitial fluid. These sodium ions are involved in many physiological processes.

One of the main functions of sodium is regulating blood pressure. It works in conjunction with potassium to maintain a balance of fluids inside and outside cells. Sodium helps the body retain water and increases blood volume, which helps maintain optimal blood pressure levels.

Sodium is also crucial for nerve impulse transmission. Nerve cells, also known as neurons, use sodium ions to generate electrical signals that allow communication between different parts of the body. When a nerve impulse is initiated, sodium ions enter the neuron, causing a depolarization that leads to the transmission of the signal. This process allows us to move muscles, sense external stimuli, and perform various bodily functions.

Furthermore, sodium plays a role in maintaining muscle contraction. During muscle contraction, signals from nerves prompt the release of calcium ions from stores within muscle cells. Calcium then triggers the interaction of proteins actin and myosin, leading to muscle contraction. Sodium ions are involved in the exchange of these calcium ions, ensuring smooth muscle function.

To conduct further research on the topic of sodium's role in the body, it would be helpful to consult reputable sources such as scientific journals, textbooks, or reliable health websites. These sources can provide more in-depth information and references to studies conducted in the field of nutrition and physiology.