Does a lack of sodium make you tired?

Question

I overheard someone telling another person that they were tired. The other person told that person that they weren't getting enough sodium. What did the second person mean when they told the first person they weren't getting enough sodium?

Answer 1

In western civilization sodium deficiency is extremely rare (unless you have a serious kidney disorder).

There are many, many potential causes of fatigue. The kind of simplistic thinking you overheard reflects someone with little or no knowledge about the issue. An important lesson here is to always consider the source of any 'information' you encounter (including "Answers").

Best wishes.

Answer 2

Sodium is one of the ingredients in the food we eat. A shortage of any ingredient produces a certain effect. Salt is one form of this substance. The person tired from a lack of sodium could conceivably supply that lack by taking in a little edible seaweed. Or use the table salt shaker.
As to "enough", it doesn't take a great deal of sodium to be "enough". There is, incidentally, sodium in many of the foods that we eat.

Answer 3

In this day and age, it is hard not to get too! much sodium. It's in everything we consume: frozen foods, canned foods, fast food, sodas, etc. This person may have been mistaken. Often, if one has enough sleep at night, when they say they are tired (or hungry), they really are thirsty. Your friend should see a doctor to be sure.

Answer 4

Don't know about the particular situation you described, but sure if you lacked sodium it could make you feel tired and it could also make you dead...you need sodium.

Answer 5

I think it does. I know of people who have disfunctional nervous systems because of potassium deficiency, and since sodium and potassium are both alkaline metals, they must havea similar effect on your body.

Answer 6

they mean electrolytes which sodium is one

Answer 7

yes

Answer 8

that he/she were tired... I don't know...ask 'em