UNDERSTANDING A HIGH HAIR SODIUM/POTASSIUM
RATIO
by
Lawrence Wilson, MD
© May 201, The Center For Development
A
normal sodium/potassium ratio on a hair mineral analysis when the hair is not
washed at the laboratory is roughly between 2.2:1 and 4:1. Commonly, however, the sodium/potassium
ratio is elevated on a hair analysis.
A
high ratio is associated with specific symptoms including acute stress,
inflammation, and at times symptoms associated with zinc and/or magnesium
deficiency. This pattern also may
indicate the emotion of anger or an aggressive personality. The elevated ratio may also be due to
the presence of toxic metals. Let
us discuss each of these in more detail.
ACUTE STRESS
In
our experience, any type of stress can increase the sodium/potassium
ratio. How high the ratio goes and
whether it stays elevated depends on the nature of the stress and even the
personality of the person. Any
type of stress can do this, from financial matters to fatigue to an infection
or a toxic metal that is impairing the body functions. Let us examine this aspect of the
stress theory of disease, a most useful concept in this regard.
Sodium
and potassium are regulated mainly by the adrenal hormones aldosterone and cortisol.
The kidneys also play a role, as can other factors including the diet in
a few cases. However, in most cases, the levels are
regulated by these adrenal hormones.
Aldosterone
causes sodium absorption and simultaneous excretion of potassium. This occurs in the kidneys, the
intestines, and in the sweat and saliva. (Guyton, P. 945-946).
Cortisol
has a somewhat opposite effect, raising potassium and reducing sodium retention
in many cases. Dr. Paul Eck
believed that a high sodium/potassium ratio on a hair analysis is a rough
indicator of a relatively greater secretion of aldosterone in relation to
cortisol.
However,
it is most likely even more complex than this. Cortisol and cortisone have many effects on the body that
could affect the sodium and potassium levels in the cells and extracellular
fluid. For example, cortisol
stimulates sugar production and release, and tends to raise the blood
sugar. This may also affect the
electrolytes in the blood and tissues in complex ways. Therefore, I would not say that a high
ratio of sodium to potassium is simply a cortisol issue.
AN ALARM REACTION
Sodium
retention by aldosterone is part of the alarm reaction or fight-or-flight reaction
to stress. This is an aspect of
the stress theory of disease.
According to Dr. Paul Eck, who was a disciple of Hans Selye, MD, the
originator of the stress theory of disease, early in the alarm reaction, the
potassium level remains low in relation to sodium. However, both the sodium and
the potassium levels in the hair and other tissues tend to be elevated.
This
pattern we call fast oxidation.
However, once again, the situation is not simple. In fact, it can be quite complex
because many times toxic metals or other factors can elevate the sodium level,
even if the person is not in an alarm reaction or alarm stage of stress.
PERSONALITY AND THE NA/K RATIO
Those
with a more forward-looking and positive outlook tend also to have a greater
tendency for an elevated sodium/potassium ratio. This is a complex phenomenon also. It may have to do with particular types of adrenalin and
other hormones that are secreted in response to various emotions.
It
may also have to do with the fact that if one gives up we know the adrenals
tend to fail and the sodium/potassium ratio tends to get much lower.
A
tendency of those who are actually more positive in their outlook is they can
become more easily angry at times.
Those who have given up often do not become angry, but instead are
resigned to their fate. They often
harbor so-called chronic emotions such as frustration, resentment and hostiliy.
These
were words Dr. Eck sought to use to describe the different feelings associated
with a high versus a low sodium/potassium ratio. However, they were never intended to be an exact description
of the feelings involved in these biochemical patterns, but rather descriptive
representations of the reactions within the body to stress in the two
situations we are discussing.
In
fact, the reaction of anger is one of projection of oneÕs anger, according to
many psychology books. However,
this may be more positive than the paralysis that occurs if one remains in
fear. Thus, the person with a high
Na/K ratio is often angry, but this is not necessarily a bad thing unless it is
extreme. In this case, the ratio
is often elevated above about 10:1.
If the ratio is less than this, often the person is simple responding
positively to his or her world.
In
contrast, as the Na/K ratio declines lower than about 2:1, the person is no
longer able or perhaps not willing to respond. A situation of frustration ensues, and often resentment and
hostility. This is my reading of
Dr. EckÕs understanding of the psychology of this ratio.
Another
way to view this is that the high Na/K ratio, provided it is within a normal
range between about 2 and 10, is indicative of a person who is responding well
to their environment. A lower or
higher ratio indicates abnormal responses that are less healthful. The exception is if the circumstances
demand a different response. This
could either be one of extreme fight-or-flight (a very high Na/K ratio) or one
of paralysis or fright that demands that one just stop and rest, which could
cause a low Na/K ratio.
A HIGH NA/K RATIO AND SLOW OXIDATION
We
have discussed a high ratio of sodium to potassium is a quality of a healthy
fast oxidizer. However, we often
see the pattern in slow oxidizers as well.
As
the body becomes exhausted, adrenal and thyroid glandular activity
decrease. The body then goes into
what is called slow oxidation. At
this time, both the sodium and the potassium levels on the hair mineral
analysis will tend to decrease.
However, the sodium may still be elevated in relation to the potassium
level. How is this possible?
The
answer is that within the exhaustion pattern one can have an acute stress
response indicated by a high sodium/potassium ratio. In fact, this is a very
common occurrence.
In
this respect, a slow oxidizer with a low
sodium/potassium ratio means a
double exhaustion stage pattern, which is definitely less desirable than an
elevated sodium/potassium ratio.
INFLAMMATION
Aldosterone
is called a pro-inflammatory hormone because it tends to increase
inflammation in the body. This,
again, is a complex process involving hormones, insulin production and
more. We have said above it is
involved heavily in sodium regulation.
In
contrast, cortisol and cortisone are known as anti-inflammatory
hormones because they diminish inflammation. They are more concerned with the potassium level. If one
goes to the doctor with a painful shoulder or knee, the doctor may inject
cortisone to reduce the inflammation.
He would never consider injecting aldosterone, as it might have an
opposite effect.
The
sodium/potassium ratio therefore can be viewed as the balance between the pro-inflammatory
state and the anti-inflammatory state of the body. This balance is critical for optimum health.
Otherwise,
we get the extremes of an inflammatory condition, which is far more common
today, or one in which the body cannot mount an inflammatory response to
stress. This leads directly to
death, since the body must be able to respond to danger and stressors at all
times. This is why a low
sodium/potassium ratio is considered worse or more severe than an elevated
sodium/potassium ratio.
To
state this differently, a high sodium/potassium ratio is associated with
greater secretion of aldosterone in relation to cortisol. Because there is a greater amount of
pro-inflammatory hormone, a tendency for inflammation exists in
the body. This is particularly true when the sodium/potassium ratio is greater
than 10:1.
HOW DOES INFLAMMATION MANIFEST IN THE BODY?
Inflammation
today is the subject of much medical research. Indeed, some physicians now believe that inflammation is the
major mechanism in heart disease, cancer and even diabetes. They measure C-reactive protein levels
in the blood to determine the level of inflammation and recommend
anti-inflammatory products to correct the imbalance.
This
is a move in the right direction without a doubt. Instead of always looking for a microorganism as a cause for
disease, at times inflammation is indeed the culprit. However, it is a normal response of the body that is simply
out of control or exaggerated.
Hair
mineral analysis thus can help identify this important cause of disease in a
simple, inexpensive manner. The
next issue is how this manifests and then what we can do about it.
Inflammation
as a word means in-flamed or hot, irritated, red-orange in color and often
feels like a burning sensation. In
our bodies, inflammation can take the form of any 'itis', for example. These include hundreds such as
arthritis, bursitis, colitis, tendonitis, iritis, laryngitis and many
others. The ÒitisÓ just means
inflamed.
In
practical terms, inflammation often causes irritation, pain, redness, friction,
excessive heat or warmth and eventually tissue destruction. It is a tendency for aches and pains,
hardened arteries, red eyes, many allergies, upset stomach, and more.
It
can also indicate a tendency for mental excitation or irritation that we
sometimes call anger, as discussed above.
In extreme cases, it can cause seizures, epilepsy, headache, rage and
destructive behaviors associated with these qualities.
HIDDEN TOXIC METALS
Copper. In some cases, a high sodium/potassium
ratio may reflect hidden copper toxicity, especially in a slow oxidizer. This
is because copper elevates sodium and depresses potassium readings. The copper
may be present even if the hair copper level is low or normal.
Hidden
copper toxicity is quite certain if the potassium level is less than 4 mg%, or
if the calcium level is over about 80 mg%. Other indicators include, oddly enough, a low
sodium/potassium ratio. Others are
a mercury level above about 0.03 mg%, or an elevated zinc level above about 18
mg%. This subject is discussed in
far more detail in an article entitled Copper
Toxicity Syndrome.
Other
Toxic Metals And Inflammation.
Cadmium, mercury, nickel and at times aluminum, manganese and iron
toxicity can also elevate sodium levels and can cause a high sodium/potassium
ratio.
One
cause of this is the absolute toxicity of these metals in the body. While manganese and iron are needed in
the body, the ones that cause inflammation are generally forms of these metals
that are harmful such as oxides.
For instance, the iron in hemoglobin does not, of itself, cause
inflammation when its amount is proper.
Another
reason these metals may elevate the sodium/potassium ratio is their effects at
the level of the kidneys and perhaps other glands such as the pituitary
gland. In other words, their
effects are multiple and complex.
Note
that the levels of these metals may or may not be elevated on the same hair
tissue mineral analysis as one notes the high ratio of sodium to
potassium. This is because the
toxic metals may be hidden deep within body storage sites and is not measurable
in the hair or, for that matter, by any other simple method of testing such as
a urine challenge or a stool test.
Often,
however, as the metals are eliminated, a retest mineral analysis will reveal an
improved sodium/potassium ratio as well.
An interesting exception is if a retest is performed during
a toxic metal elimination. The sodium/potassium ratio may temporarily rise as
cadmium, for example, is being eliminated. This occurs because cadmium passes
out of the body through the kidneys. As cadmium is eliminated, it may stress
the kidneys slightly. This causes the sodium/potassium ratio to rise
further. The ratio may normalize
when the elimination is complete.
ZINC AND
MAGNESIUM DEFICIENCY
A
high sodium/potassium ratio often indicates a zinc and/or magnesium
deficiency. Zinc lowers sodium and
raises the potassium level. Zinc
deficiency is very common today. Magnesium also has a lowering effect upon
sodium, and is deficient in many diets today.
The
zinc or magnesium levels on the hair analysis may appear normal or even
elevated. However, we recommend
supplementing with zinc, or a product containing zinc, when the
sodium/potassium ratio is elevated.
More zinc is needed if the ratio is very high. Magnesium or Paramin may also be very helpful to correct the
ratio.
SALT-EATING AND
THE SODIUM/POTASSIUM RATIO
Many
people assume that a high sodium/potassium ratio indicates an excessive salt
intake. While possibly true, in many instances salt eating has little impact
upon the sodium/potassium ratio. A
high ratio frequently occurs in people who consume no salt whatsoever! In most cases, unless the kidneys or
other organs are compromised, salt-eating plays a secondary role.
However,
we recommend avoiding table salt completely, as it is missing its trace
minerals and often has aluminum or other toxic metals added to it. Unrefined sea salt, in contrast, is an
excellent food and is acceptable, even if the sodium/potassium ratio is
somewhat high. The only time we
recommend some salt restriction is when the sodium/potassium ratio is very high
– above 20:1. In these
cases, often the kidneys are somewhat compromised or a possibility exists that
a person is eating excessive sea salt.
We
are well aware that some health authorities recommend avoiding all salt. We do not agree with this, as the body
needs the alkaline minerals found in good quality sea salt, such as Celtic Salt
(trademark) and others.
OTHER MEANINGS FOR A HIGH SODIUM/POTASSIUM RATIO
A directional change indicator for the
oxidation rate. A high Na/K ratio
can indicate a personÕs oxidation rate is speeding up.
Movement toward a more effective stress
response and toward greater health.
A higher ratio, within limits, indicates a more effective stress
response and perhaps improved health and a more positive mental outlook.
This
article may be more usable when combined with a second article about the Low Sodium/Potassium Ratio.
References
Guyton, A.C., Textbook of Medical Physiology, sixth edition, W. B. Saunders Company,1981.
Selye, H., The Stress of Life, McGraw Hill, 1978.
Selye, H., Stress Without Distress, Signet Books, 1991.
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