Sodium is a soft, silvery-white metal that belongs to the alkali metal group on the periodic table. It is highly reactive, especially with water, and is essential for many biological processes in living organisms. Sodium helps regulate fluid balance, nerve function, and muscle contractions, making it vital for our health. In everyday life, sodium is most commonly found in the form of sodium chloride, or table salt, which is used to enhance the flavor of food. While sodium is necessary for our bodies, consuming too much can lead to health issues like high blood pressure, so it's important to maintain a balanced diet.