[Lewis Thomson (OP)]

Listener Kandi wanted to find the answer to this major medication method so they submitted it to the Naked Scientists.

"I have Hyponatremia as a result of a medication. How does a drug stop your body from using/absorbing the salt you consume? Does it happen naturally in some people?"

Why do you think this happens? Discuss your answers in the comments below...

[paul cotter]

Most medications act on the body by one or more of the following: (a) by mimicking a natural signalling molecule either to positive or negative effect, (b) by inhibiting or inducing an enzyme. Hyponatraemia is common with diuretics and sometimes opioids. The mechanism is somewhat different between these two classes of medications but the net effect is on the renal tubules where sodium is normally resorbed. I don't know of naturally occurring hyponatraemia except with diet restriction, I suppose it could happen.

[Lewis Thomson (OP)]

Update: answer to this question will be delayed by 2 weeks.

[JanetSims]

Most medications act on the body by one or more of the following: (a) by mimicking a natural signalling molecule either to positive or negative effect, (b) by inhibiting or inducing an enzyme. Hyponatraemia is common with diuretics and sometimes opioids. The mechanism is somewhat different between these two classes of medications but the net effect is on the renal tubules where sodium is normally resorbed. I don't know of naturally occurring hyponatraemia except with diet restriction, I suppose it could happen.

Does it have any danger to health?

[evan_au]

Does (hyponatremia) have any danger to health?

Your body carefully regulates the levels of salts in your body, as a severe imbalance can cause death:
- Nerves use sodium and potassium ions to transmit nerve impulses. Mental confusion can result from an imbalance.
- Muscles use sodium and potassium ions to coordinate contraction. Cramps can result from an imbalance
- The salt levels affect osmotic pressure, which is important in all cells
- Brain swelling can result from an imbalance, producing possible brain damage
- Hyponatremia often affects amateur long-distance runners
See: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hyponatremia

The "ideal" level of salt inside our cells is quite different from the levels outside our cells (eg in the blood & lymphatic fluid).
- It is much higher than in fresh water,
- and much lower osmotic pressure than in the sea today (except for sponges & jellyfish).
- Some have suggested that the level of salt is indicative of salt levels in the sea when the first cells were formed.
- Marine creatures have to do work to keep the salt levels at the correct level, despite higher salt concentrations in the surrounding sea water.
- Freshwater creatures have to do work to keep the salt levels at the correct level, despite lower salt concentrations in the surrounding sea water.
See: https://biology.stackexchange.com/questions/88338/does-animal-blood-esp-human-really-have-similar-salinity-as-ocean-water-and

[Lewis Thomson (OP)]

This question has now been answered and is available to view through the following link:
https://www.thenakedscientists.com/podcasts/question-week/how-can-drugs-change-our-salt-concentration