Sodium and potassium

NavajoGirl85

If i eat a meal higher in sodium but also high in potassium does it help to counteract the sodium water retention? I have heard that potassium helps with sodium because it helps to neutralize it in your body.

Gallowmere1984

Essentially, they perform opposing functions. In my experience, spiking sodium far higher than your usual will increase water retention for a couple of days, regardless of potassium intake. Your body is very good at balancing these electrolytes, but too much of either at any time can be rough. My normal daily intake is pretty close to a 1:5 ratio of s:p, but even still, a really high sodium meal will cause me to hold a bit of water.

NavajoGirl85

Gallowmere1984 wrote: »

Essentially, they perform opposing functions. In my experience, spiking sodium far higher than your usual will increase water retention for a couple of days, regardless of potassium intake. Your body is very good at balancing these electrolytes, but too much of either at any time can be rough. My normal daily intake is pretty close to a 1:5 ratio of s:p, but even still, a really high sodium meal will cause me to hold a bit of water.

Same for me. If I get more than 1500 mg I swell up like a blowfish. Doesn't last longer than a couple of days but it sure does make me feel uncomfortable. Thanks!

hin885

Gallowmere1984 wrote: »

Essentially, they perform opposing functions. In my experience, spiking sodium far higher than your usual will increase water retention for a couple of days, regardless of potassium intake. Your body is very good at balancing these electrolytes, but too much of either at any time can be rough. My normal daily intake is pretty close to a 1:5 ratio of s:p, but even still, a really high sodium meal will cause me to hold a bit of water.

How do you get that ratio? I can hard I can barely do 1:2

jjpptt2

Technically yes. As Gallow said earlier, they do counterbalance each other to some extent.

However, this is one of those things that, unless there is some bigger medical issue at play here, isn't worth giving a second thought to. Focus on getting good, balanced calories and, ideally, some good exercise. Then be consistent, and be patient.

Gallowmere1984

hin885 wrote: »

Gallowmere1984 wrote: »

Essentially, they perform opposing functions. In my experience, spiking sodium far higher than your usual will increase water retention for a couple of days, regardless of potassium intake. Your body is very good at balancing these electrolytes, but too much of either at any time can be rough. My normal daily intake is pretty close to a 1:5 ratio of s:p, but even still, a really high sodium meal will cause me to hold a bit of water.

How do you get that ratio? I can hard I can barely do 1:2

I eat a lot of potatoes, sweet potatoes, broccoli, kail, asparagus, cauliflower, chicken breast and salmon. I don't salt anything, and I am mindful of the sodium in the diet sodas that I drink.

powered85

Gallowmere1984 wrote: »

hin885 wrote: »

Gallowmere1984 wrote: »

Essentially, they perform opposing functions. In my experience, spiking sodium far higher than your usual will increase water retention for a couple of days, regardless of potassium intake. Your body is very good at balancing these electrolytes, but too much of either at any time can be rough. My normal daily intake is pretty close to a 1:5 ratio of s:p, but even still, a really high sodium meal will cause me to hold a bit of water.

How do you get that ratio? I can hard I can barely do 1:2

I eat a lot of potatoes, sweet potatoes, broccoli, kail, asparagus, cauliflower, chicken breast and salmon. I don't salt anything, and I am mindful of the sodium in the diet sodas that I drink.

I find it easy too. All of the above plus I eat a lot of beets plus have carrots and a banana daily.