sodium (salt)

Question 1

what are the sources of sodium

Answer 1

-table salt

-white bread

-cheese

snack foods

Question 2

what are the biological functions of sodium

Answer 2

-regulates blood pressure

-supports healthy nerve activity

-aids normal muscle contraction

Question 3

what are the effects of deficiency of sodium

Answer 3

-low blood pressure, reducing oxygen getting to organs as blood flow is slowed down

-delayed nerve impulses leading to cognitive impairment, e.g. memory loss

-muscles fail to relax after contraction. this can cause muscular spams, muscle cramps and convulsions

Question 4

how to reduce salt consumption

Answer 4

-avoiding high-salt snack foods

-buying reduced-salt products

-not adding salt when cooking