electrolytes · Na · Na+
Sodium
The main electrolyte controlling the body's water balance. Sodium levels are kept in a tight range; abnormal values usually reflect fluid balance, hormones, or kidney handling of water rather than dietary salt.
This page is general wellness education, not medical advice. Your own lab’s reference range and your clinician’s interpretation always take precedence.
Typical reference range
| Group | General range |
|---|---|
| Adults | 135 – 145 mEq/L |
Units: mEq/L. Ranges vary by lab and assay — read yours against the range printed on your own report.
What high Sodium can mean
- Dehydration
- Excess water loss
- Diabetes insipidus
- High salt intake with low water
What low Sodium can mean
- Overhydration
- Heart/liver/kidney disease
- Certain medications (diuretics)
- Hormone imbalances (SIADH)