Jeri Ryan

Although we may feel saltier as we age, the ocean is technically saltier. (1, 2) Maintaining healthy sodium (salt) levels can become more challenging as we age. When the body is unable to balance water and salt, illness can occur. Figure 1. An older woman standing by the ocean. (3) What Is Hypernatremia? A sodium level that is too high is called hypernatremia. (4,5) A sodium level can be checked with other electrolytes in a blood test ordered by a provider. A normal sodium level falls...

Did you know a human body weighing 110 pounds contains the equivalent of 40 teaspoons of sodium chloride, or salt? (1) Our bodies maintain a narrow window of “normal” when it comes to sodium levels. Health problems can arise when sodium levels become lower or higher than the normal range. Older adults sometimes have health conditions that can cause difficulty maintaining a normal sodium blood level. Figure 1. Saltshaker spilling salt on a table. (1) What Is Hyponatremia? Healthcare...