Question

3.sometimes we use them interchangeably but they really are two very different things - salt and sodium. Explain their differences and their impacts on health and particularly hydration and fluid status.

4.What does potassium do and where do we get it?

Answer 1

3. Table salt is the compound containing sodium and chlorine in form of ions bonded through ionic bond.

Most of the sodium about 90% of sodium we get come from salt where are salt contain about 40% of sodium where the rest is chloride.

Sodium in ionic form (Na⁺) is present in body fluids and cells maintain the osmotic balance.

Sodium ion (Na⁺) concentration  determines the membrane potential which is required for transmission of nerve impulse.

Sodium ion in blood maintains particular osmolarity and is required for fluid and electrolyte balance which is implemented by hormonal control over kidneys.

4. Potassium (K⁺) is also similar to sodium in its valency and along with sodium ion it maintains the normal resting potential of the membrane. Na⁺-K⁺ pump is the Ion channel which utilizes ATP for the transport of sodium ions towards outside and influx of potassium ions. Both Na⁺, K⁺ not only maintain fluid balance but also should be maintained at constant concentration for many physiological functions of the body.