Question

Why is sodium chloride required in our body?

Answer 1

Hint: We need to know what sodium chloride is and its importance. Sodium chloride (NaCl) is also known as common salt. It is used to flavor and preserve and ferment foods. It is the most abundant mineral found on earth and essential for plants, animals and humans. Humans receive sodium chloride mostly through diets. It is an essential component required for the functioning of the human body for a variety of reasons.

Complete answer:
-We have to know that the sodium chloride is required by our body due to the following reasons:
-Sodium chloride is important to maintain a fluid balance in the body. Chloride ions are the primary anion in extracellular fluids of the human body (as an electrolyte) and also the most important hydrochloride acid in the stomach.
-Sodium chloride is very important to maintain the blood pressure in the human body. An ideal amount of salt must be consumed to maintain a level of blood pressure.
-Sodium chloride is an important component for the functioning of the nervous system as sodium cation enables the transmission of nerve impulses or signals known as synaptic transmission.
-Sodium chloride is also important for muscle contractions by triggering the release of stored calcium ions which allows muscle fibers to slide and relax.

Note:
We must be noted that high salt intake by the human body can contribute to the elevation of blood pressure and hence increase risk of heart diseases and stroke. The consumption of salt must be less than 5 grams per day for adults to help to reduce blood pressure and risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke and coronary heart attack. Also, salt that is consumed should be iodized or “fortified” with iodine, which is essential for healthy brain development at the younger stages of life.