The Na/K Ratio: The Key to Your Immune System
The ideal sodium/potassium ratio is 2.50 and an indicator as to how well your immune system is functioning. For this reason the Na/K ratio is the most important mineral ratio on a Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis. The sodium/potassium ratio is also called “the vitality ratio”.
The High Na/K Ratio (Na/K >4.00)
A high Na/K ratio is associated with acute stress which creates inflammation and may indicate a zinc and/or magnesium deficiency. This pattern also may indicate emotions of anger, hostility and/or an aggressive personality. Another reason the Na/K ratio may be elevated is due to the presence of toxic metals.
Acute Stress
Sodium and potassium are regulated mainly by the adrenal hormones: aldosterone and cortisol. Aldosterone causes sodium absorption and simultaneous excretion of potassium thus sodium becomes elevated. This occurs in the kidneys, the intestines, and in the sweat and saliva. (Guyton, P. 945-946).
Sodium retention by aldosterone is part of the alarm reaction to stress. The main causes of a high Na/K ratio are excessive aldosterone secretion due to stress, indicating the body is in sympathetic dominance too often and under too much stress.
Early in the alarm reaction, the potassium level remains low. Thus, on a tissue mineral test, the ratio of sodium to potassium is elevated.
A slow oxidizer with a high Na/K means the levels of sodium and potassium remain low even though the ratio of sodium to potassium is high. Slow oxidation often indicates an exhaustion stage of stress. However, within the exhaustion stage one can have an acute stress response indicated by a high sodium/potassium ratio. A slow oxidizer with a low sodium/potassium ratio means a double exhaustion stage pattern, which is less desirable.
Inflammation
Aldosterone is a pro-inflammatory hormone because it tends to increase inflammation in the body. Cortisol and cortisone, associated more with potassium levels, are anti-inflammatory hormones because they diminish inflammation. The pro and anti-inflammatory hormones must be in a good balance with each other for optimum health.
An elevated Na/K ratio is associated with greater secretion of aldosterone in relation to cortisol. Because there is more aldosterone being produced there is a tendency for inflammation in the body. The higher the ratio, the more likely there is to be inflammation and the intensity of inflammation becomes greater with a higher Na/K. Inflammation can take the form of any ‘itis’, such as arthritis, bursitis, gastritis, colitis, or tendinitis, and so on and this is accompanied with more aches and pains.
A high Na/K ratio also indicates a tendency for mental excitation. A high Na/K ratio that continues to be high suggests a forward-looking person, however, as the ratio continues to climb, it begins to suggest aggressiveness and anger.
Hidden Copper, Mercury, and Cadmium Toxicity
A high Na/K ratio may reflect hidden copper toxicity, especially in the 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 must be considered if the potassium level is very low, or if the calcium level is excessively high.
Cadmium, mercury, nickel and at times aluminum, manganese and iron toxicity can also elevate sodium levels and can cause a high sodium/potassium ratio. This is true even if the toxic metals are hidden within body tissues and not revealed on the hair test. As cadmium, copper, mercury, or other toxic metals are eliminated on a good program, a retest mineral analysis will often reveal an improved Na/K ratio.
An exception is if a retest is performed during a toxic metal elimination. The Na/K 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 Na/K ratio to rise further. The ratio will normalize when the elimination is complete.
A qualified practitioner will be able to see the correlation between the metals and Na/K ratio and interpret these changes accurately for each client.
Zinc And Magnesium Deficiency
A high Na/K ratio often indicates a zinc and/or magnesium deficiency. Zinc lowers sodium and raises the potassium level. A zinc deficiency is very common today. Magnesium also has a lowering effect upon sodium and may be 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 may be needed if the ratio is very high. A good practitioner will provide clients with the correct supplementation, including the right amount of zinc needed.
Salt and The Sodium/Potassium Ratio
Many people assume that a high Na/K ratio indicates an excessive salt intake. A high ratio frequently occurs in people who consume no salt whatsoever. Plus, if a good quality sea salt is consumed, there is little to no effect on the Na/K ratio, or even the sodium level, as sea salt contains magnesium and other trace minerals. Table salt is never recommended and often contains toxins including aluminum.
The main causes of a high Na/K ratio are excessive aldosterone secretion due to stress, or a zinc and/or magnesium deficiency. Salt plays a secondary role.
Rarely do I recommend restricting salt in individuals with a high Na/K ratio. especially if the blood pressure is elevated however, it is not usually necessary to eliminate all salt from the diet.
The High Na/K Ratio and The Immune System
A very high sodium/potassium ratio may indicate kidney stress and an imbalanced immune system. A high ratio may indicate autoimmune problems, or an overactive immune system.
The Low Na/K Ratio (>2.50)
Research indicates that a low Na/K can be understood in several ways. Let’s look at each below.
Adrenal Burnout. A low Na/K ratio is indicative of an exhaustion stage of stress. The body moves into an exhaustion stage of stress as the Na/K ratio lowers and the lower the Na/K ratio, the deeper the exhaustion/burnout.
The sodium level is controlled by aldosterone. As adrenal activity declines, aldosterone declines, and sodium is depleted. Potassium is more closely tied to the level of the glucocorticoid hormones (cortisone and cortisol). Hans Selye, M.D. noted that cortisol levels rise in the exhaustion stage of stress.
Glucose Intolerance. A low Na/K is a clear indicator of glucose intolerance. The body is unable to adequately burn glucose in the Krebs and glycolysis cycles. This contributes to fatigue, a craving for sweets and other blood sugar related symptoms.
Protein Catabolism. When the body cannot burn sugars properly, it begins to break down tissue proteins to use for energy. Excessive tissue breakdown can contribute to many health conditions. For example, if tissue breakdown occurs in the joints, arthritis may result. If tissue breakdown occurs in the stomach lining, an ulcer may result.
Frustration. An inversion is closely associated with a personality that is deep in frustration and often resentful and hostile. The person is unsuccessfully living in a fighting phase, trying very hard to survive, and often feels like he or she is beating one’s head against the wall.
Chronic Stress. A low Na/K ratio indicates chronic stress is present. Chronic means the stress, whether from an internal or external source, has been going on for some time and the body is not successfully overcoming the stress. Chronic stress is associated with breakdown of tissue proteins and with chronic illness.
Potassium Loss on a Cellular Level. On the ARL graph, the potassium level is high relative to sodium, (also known as an inversion). This occurs, in part, because potassium is being excreted from the cells as cells die. Individuals with inversions, (a low Na/K), may have symptoms of potassium deficiency. Over time, a proper program will correct this ratio. Potassium supplementation is not recommended as the potassium that is excreted is occurring due to stress so no amount of supplementation helps as potassium will continue to be lost through the urine until stress is addressed.
Hidden Copper Toxicity. Hidden copper imbalances may be the cause, or partial cause, of a low Na/K, because proper copper balance requires strong adrenal gland activity. As the adrenal glands weaken, the body is unable to bind copper properly. Copper then begins to accumulate in various body tissues.
Impaired Immune System. A low Na/K ratio is the prime indicator of impaired immune system activity. Often low Na/K ratios are accompanied by chronic sinus infections, or other chronic infections. Tissue catabolism and hidden copper imbalances may contribute to the impairment of the immune system that occurs when the sodium/potassium ratio is low.
Symptoms Associated with a Low Na/K Ratio
Mild low ratios may not be associated with obvious symptoms. As the ratio drops lower, feelings of fatigue and frustration are much more common. Sweet cravings and other glucose tolerance abnormalities are also common. The immune system may be impaired so that one is prone to colds or other infections.
As the Na/L ratio becomes chronically low, the likelihood increases for more serious conditions. Ulcers, digestive difficulties, cardiovascular conditions, glucose intolerance, arthritis, allergies, asthma, and other symptoms become more common.
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.
The entire contents of this website/article are based upon the opinions of Doreen McCafferty NLC, unless otherwise noted. Individual articles are based upon the opinions of the respective author, who retains copyright as marked. It is intended as a sharing of knowledge and information from the research and experience of Doreen McCafferty, NLC and her community. Doreen McCafferty encourages you to make your own health care decisions based upon your research and in partnership with a qualified health care professional. If you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition, consult your health care professional before using products based on this content. All information in this article is for educational purposes only and not designed to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice.