Sodium question

Clarewho
Clarewho Posts: 494 Member
edited November 19 in Food and Nutrition
Hi I have never hit my sodium 'goal' in MFP. Is this a bad thing? I know too much is BAD

Replies

  • psuLemon
    psuLemon Posts: 38,431 MFP Moderator
    Its not a bad thing but its also possible some of the entries you have are using could be wrong. Just keep in mind the sodium is an electrolyte so too little might affect workout performance.
  • Clarewho
    Clarewho Posts: 494 Member
    Ah yes that's a good point about the gym. Thank you
  • Carol_L
    Carol_L Posts: 296 Member
    If by too much you mean over 6 grams/day (6000 mg), you're right, too much is bad. The levels suggested by such folks as the Canadian Heart Association though, are borderline in the other direction.

    Too little salt is not healthy because your electrolytes need to be maintained in an even balance. Otherwise, vital body systems, such as the muscles and brain, can be negatively affected.

    Electrolytes include calcium, chloride, magnesium, phosphate, potassium, and sodium; they are important to such things as cellular metabolism and nerve function as they contribute to the proper functioning of your nervous system.
  • psuLemon
    psuLemon Posts: 38,431 MFP Moderator
    Also, eating foods high in magnesium and potassium can offset some water weight if you are worried about it.
  • Clarewho
    Clarewho Posts: 494 Member
    No I'm not worried about water weight. I'm not purposely keeping my sodium low. But I think a good point is made about some of the entries not having sodium entered. I'd noticed that with iron but never thought about it!
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