Why doesn't MFP account for sodium loss when exercising?

_Justinian_

I'm still new to this (I started a while ago, stopped and am now starting again) and I am finding it a little difficult to keep under my sodium levels as I currently do not have access to a kitchen and have to eat out. The daily sodium goal is under 2,300 mg. Sometimes I stay under that amount, but from time to time I may go over it by a few hundred. As an African American, I'm told it should be under 1,500 mg per day. That is not happening! (At least until I get access to a kitchen again) (And I read there are no studies showing an advantage to living on 1,500 mg vs. 2,300 mg. Is this true?)

I go to the gym five to six times a week where I do an hour of cardio. In addition to that, I social partner dance (high energy) two to four times a week for two to three hours each session. I sweat A LOT during these events (having to change clothes a few times). Staying under the calorie limit is relatively easy for me, but I am wondering if I should be concerned if I go over my daily sodium maximum from time to time.

I am having a physical next month and will monitor my blood pressure on a weekly basis until then. I will talk to my doctor about this as well. Sorry for all the questions. I'm still new to this and wanted to know what the opinions on this were. Thanks.

hhnkhl

Since some people lose more than others...it depends on the person.
You can be the same weight and height as another person, but he may sweat a swimming pool while you might sweat a pot. I've seen two people run an hour...one person was soaking wet in sweat, but the other person didn't sweat as much.

vismal

Far too many variables. If I do 30 minutes of cardio in the hot 90 degree sun of summer I'm going to sweat WAY more then if I do it in an air conditioned gym. Also not everyone sweats the same based on what they do. Some people sweat buckets just walking, others can run for long distances without getting all that sweaty. Relative humidity also plays a role. There just is no way at all to convert sodium in to sodium out based on exercise. If you have problems with hypertension related to sodium, all you can control is your intake so concentrate on that.

TimothyFish

There really isn't a one size fits all sodium loss from exercise. I tend to get white streaks on my clothes, but some people end up with clothes stiff with salt, while others lose little sodium through sweat. If you have reason to be concerned, discuss it with your doctor. If not, I wouldn't bother tracking sodium at all.