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Attention, chocolate lovers: You may not be able to help yourselves. Swiss and British scientists have linked the widespread love of chocolate to a chemical "signature" that may be programmed into our metabolic systems.
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Salt Imbalance
- Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
- Symptoms & Signs
- Diagnosis & Tests
- Prevention & Expectations
- Treatment & Monitoring
- Attribution
- View All
Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
An imbalance occurs when there is too little or too much sodium, also known as salt, in the bloodstream. The condition is called hyponatremia when there is too little sodium. It is called hypernatremia when there is too much sodium in the bloodstream.
What is going on in the body?
The kidneys absorb most of the sodium in the body. Sodium helps the kidneys to regulate water levels in the body. Normally, the sodium-water balance in the body is regulated by the hormone aldosterone. This hormone causes the kidneys to hold onto water. When this system is out of balance, the body either gets rid of or absorbs too much sodium.
What are the causes and risks of the condition?
Too little sodium in the blood may be caused by:
Too much sodium in the blood may be caused by: