Sodium is a soft, silvery-white metal that is essential for life. It is a chemical element with the symbol Na and atomic number 11. Sodium is highly reactive, especially with water, and is commonly found in nature as part of compounds, such as sodium chloride or table salt. This mineral plays a crucial role in maintaining fluid balance in our bodies and is vital for nerve function and muscle contraction. In everyday life, sodium is most often encountered in the form of salt, which enhances the flavor of food. While it is necessary for health, consuming too much sodium can lead to health issues like high blood pressure. Therefore, it's important to balance sodium intake for overall well-being.