sodium
2 interactions related to sodium
electrolytes + carbohydrates
Sodium and glucose are absorbed together by the SGLT1 cotransporter in the small intestine, and their co-ingestion pulls water across the gut wall faster than either does alone. This is the basis of oral rehydration therapy and of modern sports drinks, where a fluid carrying both carbohydrate and sodium hydrates faster than water while also supplying fuel during prolonged exercise.
lithium + sodium
Lithium and sodium are handled by the same transporters in the kidney and compete for reabsorption. Eating much less sodium than usual causes the kidneys to hold on to both sodium and lithium, which can push lithium levels up toward toxicity; a sudden large increase in sodium can flush lithium out and drop it below the level needed to control mood. The amount of sodium matters less than keeping it steady.