How to Increase Sodium Levels in Elderly People

1. Adjust or change medications.
2. Cut back on water and fluid consumption.
3. Seek treatment for underlying conditions or diseases.
4. Eat foods that are high in sodium.
5. Increase dietary protein to aid in water excretion.
6. Infusing an intravenous sodium solution.

How do you raise someone’s sodium level?

Intravenous (IV) fluids with a high-concentration of sodium, and/or diuretics to raise your blood sodium levels. Loop Diuretics – also known as “water pills” as they work to raise blood sodium levels, by making you urinate out extra fluid.

What foods raise sodium levels?

High-Sodium Foods

• Smoked, cured, salted or canned meat, fish or poultry including bacon, cold cuts, ham, frankfurters, sausage, sardines, caviar and anchovies.
• Frozen breaded meats and dinners, such as burritos and pizza.
• Canned entrees, such as ravioli, spam and chili.
• Salted nuts.
• Beans canned with salt added.

What is the fastest way to correct sodium?

In patients with severe symptomatic hyponatremia, the rate of sodium correction should be 6 to 12 mEq per L in the first 24 hours and 18 mEq per L or less in 48 hours. A bolus of 100 to 150 mL of hypertonic 3% saline can be given to correct severe hyponatremia.

What should I eat if my sodium is low?

Protein Foods

• Fresh or frozen fish or shellfish.
• Chicken or turkey breast without skin or marinade.
• Lean cuts of beef or pork.
• Unsalted nuts and seeds.
• Dried beans and peas – like kidney beans, pinto beans, black beans, lima beans, black-eyed peas, garbanzo beans (chickpeas), split peas, and lentils.

What is the best source of sodium?

Top Sources of Sodium¹

• Sandwiches.
• Cold cuts and cured meats.
• Soups.
• Burritos and tacos.
• Savory snacks*
• Chicken.
• Cheese.
• Eggs and Omelets.

Will eating salt help hyponatremia?

In elderly patients with a diet poor in protein and sodium, hyponatremia may be worsened by their low solute intake. The kidney’s need to excrete solutes aids in water excretion. An increase in dietary protein and salt can help improve water excretion.

How long does it take to recover from low sodium levels?

Generally, low sodium is asymptomatic (does not produce symptoms), when it is mild or related to your diet. It can take weeks or months for you to experience the effects of low salt in your diet—and these effects can be corrected by just one day of normal salt intake.

How can I increase my sodium levels naturally?

Keeping your water and electrolyte levels in balance can help prevent low blood sodium. If you’re an athlete, it’s important to drink the right amount of water during exercise. You should also consider drinking rehydration beverages like Gatorade or Powerade.

Should I eat more salt if my sodium is low?

Our bodies need a small amount of salt for a variety of functions, such as the working of nerves and muscles. However, there is enough sodium present in all foods that a lack of sodium does not generally cause any problems in these areas. It is rarely necessary to add extra salt to food.

Does salt increase sodium levels?

These, in turn, had a number of interesting effects in the body. Increasing salt intake increased sodium excretion, but also unexpectedly caused the kidney to conserve water. Excess sodium was thus released in concentrated urine.

What can I drink to increase sodium levels?

8 Healthy Drinks Rich in Electrolytes

• Coconut water. Coconut water, or coconut juice, is the clear liquid found inside of a coconut.
• Milk.
• Watermelon water (and other fruit juices)
• Smoothies.
• Electrolyte-infused waters.
• Electrolyte tablets.
• Sports drinks.
• Pedialyte.

Are Bananas high in sodium?

Bananas, like most fruits and vegetables, are high in potassium and low in sodium. We humans get much of our dietary sodium from sodium chloride, otherwise known as salt.

What happens when your body is low on sodium?

Low blood sodium is common in older adults, especially those who are hospitalized or living in long-term care facilities. Signs and symptoms of hyponatremia can include altered personality, lethargy and confusion. Severe hyponatremia can cause seizures, coma and even death.