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Understanding A High Sodium/Potassium Ratio
A normal sodium/potassium ratio is 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, zinc and/or magnesium deficiency and an aggressive personality.
Acute Stress
A high sodium/potassium ratio on a hair analysis is an indicator of acute stress. The reason is
as follows:
1) Acute stress causes increased adrenal gland activity.
2) This results in a rise in the secretion of the hormone aldosterone.
3) Aldosterone secretion causes sodium to be retained in the body by the kidneys. Thus the
sodium level in the body tissues rises.
Sodium retention by aldosterone is part of the alarm reaction or fight-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 and an exhaustion stage of stress.
What if a person has a high sodium/potassium ratio but is a slow oxidizer? Slow oxidation
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 person with a high sodium/potassium ratio is secreting more 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 tendinitis. 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 the 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 and mercury toxicity can also elevate sodium levels and can cause a high
sodium/potassium ratio. This is true even if the cadmium or mercury are hidden within body
tissues and not revealed on the hair test. As cadmium, copper or mercury 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.
We recommend supplementing with zinc, or a product containing zinc, when the
sodium/potassium ratio is elevated. 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 table 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.
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.
Copyright © 1992
This material is for educational purposes only
The preceding statements have not been evaluated by the
Food and Drug Administration
This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
