Cause 3. Malnutrition: The Nutritional Culprit Behind Hyponatremia
Malnutrition, often overlooked, can surprisingly be a significant cause of hyponatremia. Sodium, like other nutrients, is obtained from the diet, and any circumstance that limits the intake of nutrition can potentially lead to a deficiency of sodium and other essential nutrients.
Malnutrition could stem from several factors, such as anorexia nervosa, other eating disorders, or conditions that cause a decreased appetite. These conditions can significantly reduce the intake of food and, consequently, sodium. If the intake of sodium is chronically low, it can result in hyponatremia. This particularly applies to individuals who consume diets that are extremely low in sodium, often in misguided attempts to manage blood pressure or fluid balance.
A second way malnutrition leads to hyponatremia is through diseases that cause malabsorption. Conditions such as celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, and short bowel syndrome can reduce the body’s ability to absorb nutrients, including sodium, from the diet. This malabsorption can lead to a deficiency of sodium in the body, potentially resulting in hyponatremia.
Moreover, malnutrition can indirectly contribute to hyponatremia through its effects on hormone regulation. Malnourished individuals often experience hormonal imbalances, including alterations in the production of hormones like ADH and aldosterone, which we’ve already discussed as being crucial for sodium regulation. These hormonal imbalances can disrupt the body’s ability to maintain a proper sodium balance.
The fourth way malnutrition can cause hyponatremia is by leading to muscle wasting and loss of lean body mass. Muscle tissue contains a significant amount of the body’s sodium. When muscle wasting occurs, this sodium is lost, potentially leading to hyponatremia if it’s not replaced. (3)
