Low Sodium Level

Posted by Berk @gba, Jan 19, 2025

I use lots of salt and moderate water. Anyone knows why? Please comment.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Autoimmune Diseases Support Group.

Profile picture for swalex @swalex

@novakp52
A sodium of 121 is dangerously low. Having an accident at that level makes sense medically, and it’s not a personal failure. Anyone would be shaken by that.

I want to ask you one gentle question (only one):

Do you currently have a clear prevention plan from your doctor (fluid target, sodium strategy, and what to do if symptoms start)—or are you mostly reacting when it happens?
Your answer helps in a useful situation, not just textbook advice.

Jump to this post

@swalex The plan I have implemented is increased salt intake unlimited.( no edem at this age/73) salt tablets and salt supplement. I use the salt tablets when I’m reaction going. Signs that happen most of the time is frequent urination. the scary part is with a sudden drop and no symptoms,I only increase salt intake with drinks, salt tablets and try not to go into a full blown panic attack. The high test salt level has been 137,currently 130. ( increasing salt)

REPLY
Profile picture for reets70 @reets70

@novakp52 I have had my sodium level drop to 119, hospitalized several times because of it. I take sodium chloride pills every day, and this has got me through the last ten years. No explanation has ever been found. When I begin to feel weak, faint or sick, I take an extra pill each day until I feel better. Even an ordinary cold will have an effect on my levels.

Jump to this post

@reets70 There is no explanation on why or what causes it to drop. Hadn’t looked at the coldness but that would explain my low level now(130) I will have to keep an eye on that part, thank you for that information.
What scars me is during ER visit due to dehydration, I was told any lower and I would have been in a coma. Scars me and scared me. But have held my ground for several years through periods when it is low.

REPLY
Profile picture for novakp52 @novakp52

@swalex The plan I have implemented is increased salt intake unlimited.( no edem at this age/73) salt tablets and salt supplement. I use the salt tablets when I’m reaction going. Signs that happen most of the time is frequent urination. the scary part is with a sudden drop and no symptoms,I only increase salt intake with drinks, salt tablets and try not to go into a full blown panic attack. The high test salt level has been 137,currently 130. ( increasing salt)

Jump to this post

@novakp52 Hi,
Having no edema at age 73 is a very positive sign, and you’re absolutely right to be concerned about this.

How are your sodium levels being monitored, and at what frequency—laboratory blood tests or home urine strips?

I ask because the symptoms you’re describing closely match my own experience, including cold sensitivity, related to Addison’s disease (diagnosed in 1979) and aldosterone deficiency.

REPLY
Profile picture for swalex @swalex

@novakp52 Hi,
Having no edema at age 73 is a very positive sign, and you’re absolutely right to be concerned about this.

How are your sodium levels being monitored, and at what frequency—laboratory blood tests or home urine strips?

I ask because the symptoms you’re describing closely match my own experience, including cold sensitivity, related to Addison’s disease (diagnosed in 1979) and aldosterone deficiency.

Jump to this post

@swalex lab work up a 3 months with thyroid work up. If other labs are ran, I always ask for sodium level be on with it.

REPLY
Profile picture for reets70 @reets70

@novakp52 I have had my sodium level drop to 119, hospitalized several times because of it. I take sodium chloride pills every day, and this has got me through the last ten years. No explanation has ever been found. When I begin to feel weak, faint or sick, I take an extra pill each day until I feel better. Even an ordinary cold will have an effect on my levels.

Jump to this post

@reets70
I’ve tried sodium pills & don’t tolerate them. Instead I add extra salt to my foods, Sea Salt or Kosher salt, NOT table salt. It’s worse for me in summer. I’ve spoken to all my drs—they are all right with this too. My BP remains within normal range.
Don’t be concerned about how or why you have this issue; accept it & be grateful it’s under control. I did my initial research, changed my life style & move forward. Celebrate your life & the blessings it provides:
Reduce all fluid intake to 1000-1200 mls a day & keep NaCl intake (sodium) within ‘normal’ limits.

REPLY
Profile picture for swalex @swalex

@novakp52
A sodium of 121 is dangerously low. Having an accident at that level makes sense medically, and it’s not a personal failure. Anyone would be shaken by that.

I want to ask you one gentle question (only one):

Do you currently have a clear prevention plan from your doctor (fluid target, sodium strategy, and what to do if symptoms start)—or are you mostly reacting when it happens?
Your answer helps in a useful situation, not just textbook advice.

Jump to this post

@swalex
See my recent personal experience. I do my research, work with my drs, & move ahead in my new life style changes.

REPLY

I also have low sodium and thankful only hospitalized once for this. Mine usually run around 130-132.
I add electrolytes daily and that keeps me in check. I drink at least 2 a day, on really hot days I drink 3. I like Propel or Nuun tablets. There are many options but you need to see which ones you like and will drink.
I agree with above, we must accept and enjoy life while we watch what we drink!

REPLY
Profile picture for mmleal @mmleal

@reets70
I’ve tried sodium pills & don’t tolerate them. Instead I add extra salt to my foods, Sea Salt or Kosher salt, NOT table salt. It’s worse for me in summer. I’ve spoken to all my drs—they are all right with this too. My BP remains within normal range.
Don’t be concerned about how or why you have this issue; accept it & be grateful it’s under control. I did my initial research, changed my life style & move forward. Celebrate your life & the blessings it provides:
Reduce all fluid intake to 1000-1200 mls a day & keep NaCl intake (sodium) within ‘normal’ limits.

Jump to this post

@mmleal
Looks like you are making it work.
I take vitassium electrolyte
Pills because they are buffered .I couldn't tolerate straight salt pills.
Salt pills cost me 50 $ month amazon.

REPLY
Profile picture for gerrieme @gerrieme

@mmleal
Looks like you are making it work.
I take vitassium electrolyte
Pills because they are buffered .I couldn't tolerate straight salt pills.
Salt pills cost me 50 $ month amazon.

Jump to this post

@gerrieme

I have not tried those. I did take salt tablets the Dr recommended but I swelled up so bad they took me off of them.
Will keep this name just in case
Thank you

REPLY
Profile picture for gerrieme @gerrieme

@mmleal
Looks like you are making it work.
I take vitassium electrolyte
Pills because they are buffered .I couldn't tolerate straight salt pills.
Salt pills cost me 50 $ month amazon.

Jump to this post

@gerrieme
I agree salt tabs don’t work for me either. So far adding extra Sea Salt or Kosher salt to my meals & limiting my fluid intake keeps me stable. Thanks for the new info…it’s a backup plan if current lifestyle changes stop working.
mmLeal

REPLY
Please sign in or register to post a reply.