Food for Thought: The Relationship Between Oral Health and Nutrition
Electrolytes

Sodium, potassium and chloride are macro minerals that also function as electrolytes. Salt is a food additive that adds flavor and is used as a preservative in many packaged foods. Our body needs very little sodium to conduct nerve impulses, contract and relax muscles, and maintain proper water and mineral balance. Too much sodium is associated with high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. Recommended limits are 1.2 to 1.5g/day. The American Heart Association has identified the “Salty Six” foods that add the most sodium in our diet.²⁵

Table 5 lists the type of electrolytes, their sources and deficiency symptoms.¹¹