Sodium

Sodium is a mineral needed by the body for contraction of muscles and conduction of nerve impulses. To maintain the sodium/water balance, excess sodium is removed via the kidneys. Table salt contains sodium and chloride. Sodium and chloride help maintain the balance between fluids inside and outside individual cells of the body. Sodium aids in the transfer of nutrients to cells and the removal of waste products. Chloride helps maintain the proper acid/alkali balance in the body. Chloride is also necessary for the production of hydrochloric acid in the stomach which helps in the digestion of protein. By weight, salt provides 1½ times more chloride than sodium. Sodium and chloride are found in almost all foods. Sodium and chloride may also be bound to minerals or molecules such as vitamin K or potassium.