Diet gun

During the aging process and since we try to keep sodium retention reduced to prevent cardiac hypertension and possible kidney disease, it becomes difficult to maintain sodium balance in the body.

Low sodium in the body, or hyponatremia, has been shown to increase the risk of falls by contributing to neurocognitive dysfunction, which can cause gait instability and reduced attention span. This has significant implications for elderly care as falls are one of the factors that lead to admission to care units (usually due to hip and vertebral fractures or head injuries) with a not so positive outcome for the patient’s mental state, especially after possible surgery.

The low sodium and protein diet that older adults usually follow further increases the risk of hyponatremia.

Another important factor in causing hyponatremia is the medication that the elderly take. Usually to keep blood pressure low as a prevention for stroke or cardiovascular diseases, the administration of diuretics is a common technique that, if not balanced, can lead to hyponatremia and dehydration.

Dehydration, even to a mild degree (1-2%), negatively affects cognitive function, causing problems with concentration, memory, mood, fatigue, reduced mental performance and, in more severe cases, even confusion.

Antidepressants, as well as many antihypertensive drugs (diuretics were mentioned) also reduce blood sodium.

Chronic mild hyponatremia also increases the risk of osteoporosis, as it increases the activity of bone cells that break down old or worn bone tissue without a corresponding increase in cells that create new bone, resulting in a possible fall leading to a broken bone.

Mild hyponatremia, as long as it is not the result of medication use or disease of the body, usually improves with the correct balanced intake of protein foods.

Amount and sources of sodium for the elderly

A sodium intake between 3 g and 6 g per day was associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular events and better cognitive function than a higher or lower estimated intake level.

Sodium is naturally present in almost all foods.

Known sources of dietary sodium include all processed and packaged foods, often high in added salt, as well as table salt used in cooking or as a seasoning.

In addition, foods high in sodium include salty snacks (such as French fries), canned soups, pickles, deli meats (such as bacon, ham, and sausage), cheese, and certain condiments (such as soy sauce).

Prevention of hyponatremia

Prevention of hyponatremia in the elderly primarily focuses on education and modifying their diet to include a balanced intake of sodium, protein, and fluids, while avoiding excessive consumption of processed foods high in sodium.

Their medication regimen will be regulated by their treating physician, taking into account any possible polypharmacy that may coexist.

Sources of the article
How Dietary Habits and Nutritional Deficiencies Relate to Hyponatremia in Older Adults
Urinary Sodium and Potassium Excretion, Mortality, and Cardiovascular Events
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