---
title: "What Is Sodium? Heat Stress and Hydration Glossary"
description: "Sodium is the main electrolyte in sweat. It helps control the amount of fluid in your body and helps nerves and muscles work properly."
url: https://jmarsolutions.multisites.ai/glossary/sodium
publisher: JMAR Solutions
phone: +1-214-632-7780
quote: https://jmarsolutions.multisites.ai/contact
---

Hydration science

# Sodium

Sodium is the main electrolyte in sweat. It helps control the amount of fluid in your body and helps nerves and muscles work properly.

Sodium is an electrolyte. MedlinePlus says it helps control the amount of fluid in your body. It also helps your nerves and muscles work properly. Sweat contains sodium, so a long shift in the heat can lower it.

Too little sodium in the blood is called [hyponatremia](https://jmarsolutions.multisites.ai/glossary/hyponatremia). It can follow heavy sweating combined with drinking only plain water for hours. Crews should know the risk. NIOSH also tells workers with heat cramps to avoid salt tablets. The label on Rapid Restoration Drops lists sodium (seawater) at 200 mg per 1 tsp serving. See [electrolytes 101](https://jmarsolutions.multisites.ai/guides/electrolytes-101) and the [hyponatremia guide](https://jmarsolutions.multisites.ai/guides/hyponatremia-at-work).

[From JMAR SolutionsHydration programs and toolbox talks for crews](https://jmarsolutions.multisites.ai/hydration-programs)

## Related terms

-   [Electrolyte](https://jmarsolutions.multisites.ai/glossary/electrolyte)
-   [Potassium](https://jmarsolutions.multisites.ai/glossary/potassium)
-   [Hyponatremia](https://jmarsolutions.multisites.ai/glossary/hyponatremia)
-   [Sweat rate](https://jmarsolutions.multisites.ai/glossary/sweat-rate)
-   [Heat cramps](https://jmarsolutions.multisites.ai/glossary/heat-cramps)

## Sources

1.  [MedlinePlus: Electrolyte Panel](https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/electrolyte-panel/)
2.  [CDC NIOSH: Heat-related Illnesses](https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/heat-stress/about/illnesses.html)

![Ironworkers silhouetted on a steel frame against a hot orange sunset](https://jmarsolutions.multisites.ai/_astro/sunset-steel.IhAMDca0_6wk53.webp)

## See it on your crew in 15 minutes

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[Book a 15-minute demo](https://calendly.com/jen-jmarsolutions/15-min-meeting)