How to Treat Hyponatremia (Low Blood Sodium) in Ayurveda?
Introduction
Hyponatremia is a medical term used for the low concentration of sodium in the blood. Sodium is an electrolyte which helps in regulating the amount of water in and around the cells. In this condition, the body's water levels rise and the cells begin to swell. This swelling results in various health problems that may be mild or life-threatening.
Sodium plays a key role in the human body as it helps to regulate blood pressure, body's fluid balance and supports the smooth working of nerves and muscles.
The normal blood sodium level is in between 135-145 milliequivalents per liter (mEq/L). It occurs when the sodium in the blood falls below 135 mEq/L.
Causes of Hyponatremia
There are many diseases and lifestyle conditions that lead to hyponatremia. These are:
- Heart Problems: Congestive heart failure and other diseases that affect the kidneys and liver can cause the fluids to accumulate in the body which dilutes the sodium thus lowers the level of sodium.
- Chronic diarrhea and severe vomiting: These conditions cause the body to lose electrolytes and also increase ADH levels. ADH acts on the kidneys to control the amount of water secreted in the urine.
- Use of certain medications: Certain medications such as anti-depressants, diuretics, analgesics can interfere with the normal kidney functions and hormonal processes that keep the sodium concentrations within the healthy range, leading to hyponatremia.
- Drinking too much water: Drinking excessive amounts of water can cause a low level of sodium. Sodium is excreted through sweat, drinking too much water can dilute the sodium content of the blood.
- Hormonal changes: The insufficiency of the adrenal gland (Addison's disease) affects it’s ability to produce hormones that help to maintain the body's balance of sodium, potassium and water. Low level of hormone such as thyroid hormone can also cause low blood sodium level.
Symptoms of Hyponatremia
Hyponatremia can be asymptomatic in some conditions. Common signs and symptoms include:
- Headache
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Dizziness
- Loss of energy
- Drowsiness
- Fatigue
- Muscle weakness
- Spasms and seizures
- Restlessness and irritability
- Coma
Diagnosis of Hyponatremia
It's diagnosis is based on medical history as well as physical examination. To confirm low levels of sodium in the blood, some blood tests and urine tests are also done.
How can Ayurveda help in the Treatment of Hyponatremia?
Rajamruth Vaidyashala offers best quality herbal remedies like Ashwagandha Capsules, Brahmi Capsules, Echinacea Capsules, Kaishore Guggul and Lavan Bhaskar Churna for natural treatment of Hyponatremia. These remedies are effective in clearing out toxins that are accumulated due to the intake of various medications, balance the hormonal changes in the body in a natural way. These remedies are 100% pure and do not cause any side effects.
Lavan Bhaskar Churna is a classical Ayurvedic formulation which is a blend of various edible sea salts and medicinal herbs. The main ingredient of this Churna is salt so this churna is highly beneficial for the patients suffering from hyponatremia.
Dose: Take 1/2 tablespoonful powder with water twice a day after taking meals.
Dietary Guidelines
Include sodium rich foods in diet such as carrots, legumes, beans, sweet potato, spinach etc. They are good sources of sodium. Other sources of sodium are meat, fish, table salt, eggs, olives etc.
