what causes high sodium levels in blood

What does it mean when your sodium is high?

A high sodium level in the blood (hypernatremia) often means there is not enough water in the body rather than too much salt. A high sodium level can happen when you are dehydrated and not drinking enough water. But there are other medical conditions that can affect your sodium level as well.

What is the most common cause of an elevated sodium level?

Hypernatremia involves dehydration, which can have many causes, including not drinking enough fluids, diarrhea, kidney dysfunction, and diuretics. Mainly, people are thirsty, and if hypernatremia worsens, they may become confused or have muscle twitches and seizures. Blood tests are done to measure the sodium level.

How do you lower the sodium in your blood?

Incorporate foods with potassium like sweet potatoes, potatoes, greens, tomatoes and lower-sodium tomato sauce, white beans, kidney beans, nonfat yogurt, oranges, bananas and cantaloupe. Potassium helps counter the effects of sodium and may help lower your blood pressure.

What are the symptoms of high sodium?

The main symptom of hypernatremia is excessive thirst. Other symptoms are lethargy, which is extreme fatigue and lack of energy, and possibly confusion. Advanced cases may also cause muscle twitching or spasms. That's because sodium is important for how muscles and nerves work.

How long does it take for sodium levels to return to normal?

The medical team will restore the sodium level over the course of several hours or days, depending on the severity of your condition. A too-rapid infusion of sodium can lead to osmotic demyelination syndrome (ODS), a form of brain damage.

Can drinking water lower sodium levels?

Based on the fact that about two thirds of our bodies are comprised of water, it may seem obvious that consuming water is important for our health. But a new study finds that by increasing plain water consumption, we can control our weight and reduce intakes of sugar, sodium and saturated fat.

What can I drink to flush out sodium?

When you drink plenty of water, your body can flush the excess sodium in your body. It is important to drink plenty of water if you have too much sodium in your blood because your kidneys will flush out the excess sodium and help to lower your blood pressure over the long term.

Does water flush out sodium?

Drink a Ton of Water Drinking lots of water helps flush sodium from your kidneys; staying hydrated will also help you feel less bloated.

Can drinking water lower sodium levels?

Based on the fact that about two thirds of our bodies are comprised of water, it may seem obvious that consuming water is important for our health. But a new study finds that by increasing plain water consumption, we can control our weight and reduce intakes of sugar, sodium and saturated fat.

What medications can cause high sodium levels?

Drug Induced HypernatraemiaDiuretics.Sodium bicarbonate.Sodium chloride.Corticosteroids.Anabolic steroids.Adrenocorticotrophic steroids.Androgens.Oestrogens.

What happens if sodium levels rise too quickly?

Too-rapid correction of sodium can cause osmotic demyelination syndrome (ODS), a form of brain damage.

What does a sodium level of 144 mean?

Normal sodium levels are usually between 136 and 145 millimoles per liter (mmol/L). Blood sodium levels below 136 mmol/L may mean you have low blood sodium (hyponatremia). Blood sodium levels greater than 145 mmol/L may mean you have blood sodium levels that are too high (hypernatremia).