Understanding
A High Sodium/Potassium Ratio
A normal
sodium/potassium ratio on a hair mineral analysis when the hair is not washed
at the laboratory is roughly between 2.5:1 and 4:1. Commonly, the
sodium/potassium ratio is elevated on a hair analysis. A high ratio is
associated with specific symptoms including acute stress, inflammation, and at
times symptoms associated with zinc and/or magnesium deficiency. This pattern also may indicate the
emotion of anger or an aggressive personality. It may also be due to the presence of toxic metals.
ACUTE STRESS
Sodium and potassium are regulated mainly by the
adrenal hormones aldosterone and cortisol.
Aldosterone causes sodium absorption and simultaneous excretion of
potassium. This occurs in the kidneys, the intestines, and in the sweat and
saliva. (Guyton, P. 945-946).
Cortisol has a somewhat opposite effect. A high sodium/potassium ratio
on a hair analysis is an indicator of a relatively greater secretion of aldosterone
in relation to cortisol.
Sodium retention by aldosterone is part of the alarm
reaction or fight-or-flight reaction to stress. Early in the alarm reaction, the potassium level remains
low. Thus, on a tissue mineral test, the ratio of sodium to potassium
is elevated. In contrast, a low sodium/potassium ratio indicates chronic
stress, higher cortisol secretion and an exhaustion stage of stress.
What if a person has a high sodium/potassium
ratio but is a slow oxidizer? That is, the levels of sodium and potassium
remain low even though the ratio of sodium to potassium is high. Slow oxidation (low levels of sodium
and potassium) indicates an exhaustion stage of stress. However, within
the exhaustion stage one can have an acute stress response indicated by a high
sodium/potassium ratio. This is a common occurrence. A slow oxidizer with a low sodium/potassium ratio
means a double exhaustion stage pattern, which is definitely less desirable.
INFLAMMATION
Aldosterone is a pro-inflammatory hormone because it
tends to increase inflammation in the body. Cortisol and cortisone, associated
more with potassium levels, are anti-inflammatory hormones because they
diminish inflammation. The pro and anti-inflammatory hormones must be in a good
balance with each other for optimum health.
A high sodium/potassium ratio is associated with
greater secretion of aldosterone in relation to cortisol. Because there is a greater amount of
pro-inflammatory hormone, a tendency for inflammation exists in the body.
This is particularly true when the sodium/potassium ratio is greater than 10:1.
Inflammation can take the form of any 'itis',
such as arthritis, bursitis, colitis, or tendonitis. It is a tendency for aches
and pains. A high sodium/potassium ratio also indicates a tendency for mental
excitation. A ratio that persists between 3 and 6 suggests a forward-looking
person. A ratio greater than 6:1 suggests aggressiveness and anger.
HIDDEN COPPER, MERCURY AND CADMIUM TOXICITY
A high sodium/potassium ratio may reflect hidden
copper toxicity, especially in a slow oxidizer. This is because copper elevates
sodium and depresses potassium readings. The copper may be present even if the
hair copper level is low or normal. Hidden copper toxicity is certain if the
potassium level is less than 4 mg%, or if the calcium level is over about 80
mg%.
Cadmium, mercury, nickel and at times aluminum,
manganese and iron toxicity can also elevate sodium levels and can cause a high
sodium/potassium ratio. This is true even if the toxic metals are hidden within
body tissues and not revealed on the hair test. As cadmium, copper, mercury or
other toxic metals are eliminated, a retest mineral analysis will reveal an
improved sodium/potassium ratio.
An exception is if a retest is performed during a toxic metal
elimination. The sodium/potassium ratio may temporarily rise as cadmium, for
example, is being eliminated. This occurs because cadmium passes out of the
body through the kidneys. As cadmium is eliminated, it may stress the kidneys
slightly. This causes the sodium/potassium ratio to rise further. The ratio
will normalize when the elimination is complete.
ZINC AND MAGNESIUM DEFICIENCY
A high sodium/potassium ratio often indicates a
zinc and/or magnesium deficiency. Zinc lowers sodium and raises the potassium
level. Zinc deficiency is very common
today. Magnesium also has a lowering effect upon sodium, and is deficient in
many diets today.
The zinc or magnesium levels on the hair
analysis may appear normal or even elevated. However, we recommend supplementing with zinc, or a product
containing zinc, when the sodium/potassium ratio is elevated. More zinc is needed if the ratio is
very high. Magnesium or Paramin
may also be very helpful to correct the ratio.
SALT-EATING AND THE SODIUM/POTASSIUM RATIO
Many people assume that a high sodium/potassium
ratio indicates an excessive salt intake. While possibly true, in many
instances salt eating has little impact upon the sodium/potassium ratio. A high
ratio frequently occurs in people who consume no salt whatsoever! The main
causes of a high sodium/potassium ratio are excessive aldosterone secretion due
to stress, or a zinc and magnesium deficiency. Salt-eating plays a secondary
role.
We recommend restricting salt in individuals
with a high sodium/potassium ratio, especially if the blood pressure is
elevated. However, it is not
usually necessary to eliminate all salt from the diet. Also, sea salt is often
tolerated better than table salt because it has more magnesium and other trace
elements. We do not recommend
eating table salt, as it is missing its trace minerals and often has aluminum
or other toxic metals added to it.
KIDNEY STRESS AND THE IMMUNE SYSTEM
A very high sodium/potassium ratio may indicate
kidney stress, and an imbalanced immune system. While a low sodium/potassium
ratio is associated with a weak immune system, a high ratio may indicate
autoimmune problems, or an overactive immune system. Rheumatoid arthritis and
Hashimoto's thyroiditis are examples of autoimmune diseases.
References
Guyton,
A.C., Textbook of Medical Physiology, sixth edition, W. B. Saunders Company,1981.
Selye,
H., The Stress of Life, McGraw Hill, 1978.
Selye,
H., Stress Without Distress, Signet Books, 1991.
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