Sodium plays an important role in allowing the human body to function properly, but most people consume far more than their bodies really need - and this can cause more harm than good.
Workers engaged in heavy manual labor tend to lose a significant amount of sodium through sweat. If this sodium isn't replaced, it can lead to hyponatremia (low sodium in the blood), which was observed in more than half of workers in one study from the United Arab Emirates. Learning about good hydration and proper sodium consumption is a key part of occupational safety. Unfortunately, guidelines for replacing these fluids and electrolytes are often conflicting.
Sodium requirements for workers vary according to a number of different factors, including body composition, type of work, length of shift, ambient temperature and more. The more electrolytes the body loses through sweat, the more that need to be replaced. The only way to know the exact amount is to measure it for each individual, which isn't usually practical - especially in a workplace.
Even workers doing heavy manual labor should refrain from consuming products with high sodium content. More is not always better, and the effects of excessive sodium intake on a regular basis are a real concern for workers who consume high-sodium beverages regularly in an effort to rehydrate.
Even the most well-hydrated worker can experience electrolyte imbalances in the body, usually due to sweat loss. When sodium replacement is necessary, the source matters.
Some commercially prepared sports drinks and electrolyte beverages are incredibly popular, but they're not all equal in terms of efficacy. Concentrations of glucose and sodium can differ drastically. Many of these drinks also contain artificial flavors, coloring, and corn syrup or other added sugars.
One popular electrolyte drink mix advertises packets that have 1,000 milligrams of sodium in each serving. If workers are consuming multiple servings per day, it wouldn't take much before their daily sodium consumption far exceeds the recommended daily intake of 2,300 milligrams.
To replace lost electrolytes, workers are encouraged to opt for rehydration beverages with moderate amounts of sodium and potassium. Both of these minerals work together to achieve energy production and to keep fluid balances in the body in check. Workers should also refrain from consuming caffeinated beverages, which can actually increase fluid output and result in greater dehydration, as well as sugary beverages.
While the dangers of low sodium in the blood are commonly discussed, there is a clear link between high sodium intake and negative long-term health outcomes that is often forgotten in workplace discussions about hydration and electrolyte replacement. This gap represents a significant opportunity for employee education.
Excessive sodium consumption has been linked to serious acute and chronic health conditions such as obesity, hypertension/ high blood pressure, hypernatremia and more. Maintaining proper hydration and choosing lower-sodium food and drink options are two of the simplest ways to prevent high sodium levels and the ill health effects that can result from them.
For more information, visit www.sqwincher.com or call (800) 654-1920.
