How Do YOU Cut Out Sodium?
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Working on reducing my sodium myself after a scary high BP reading the other day when I went to donate plasma (only my 2nd visit, and didn't ask for my numbers the first time). I felt fine, would have been clueless if not for that. Bought a cuff for home tracking the next day.
Historically I've never worried about sodium, and while I know 95% of my problem is stress (it's been a really, really rough couple years), any steps I can take to help I'm implementing immediately. Taking several other measures as well, but reducing sodium is one of the "low hanging fruit" and something I can do immediately. I know my normal intake was probably pretty outrageous.
Biggest things right off the bat will be more home cooking; not adding salt while cooking, only after; and then reading labels more closely and choosing a bit more wisely in that department. No idea what my intake used to look like as my old data (from another website) was lost and I never purposefully tracked sodium as there were no worries that I was aware of.
Additional actions include increasing my activity/intensity; breathing exercises when I find myself fretting; I've just organized and 1-year out "planned" my finances the best I can; and a few other personal items that should help bring the stress down a bit. Seeing it drop a bit already, so pretty sure I can manage this, now that I'm aware of it being an issue.5 -
Did not read any replies.
I grew up with a father and sister with heart problems so we never had salt in the house. I developed a thyroid problem in my thirties due to lack of iodine.
If you are going to do this long-term, speak to your dr about getting the right nutrients, especially if you cook for more than just yourself.
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Lovin' all the replies, help and opinions! I think this will help MORE people here as well re: sodium questions!
I have now lost 5 lbs since asking this Q and and inch off waist/hips! I AM watchin' sodium better and drinkin' lots MORE water!
Once again, y'all are AWESOME! Keep Pushing - We Can Do This!3 -
Being forever on a primarily whole foods diet, when I started tracking nutrition last summer to support increased exercise programming, I found salt was a daily deficit and bought a box of iodized table salt to be sure of iodine, too. Sweating it out every couple of days is a healthy way to lose salt, and adding sodium with hydration supports exercise. Of course, those with medically prescribed limits should comply, but not everybody is overdosing.1
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My Doc Visit Was Great! (blood work) Have lost over 8 lbs now & several inches. Day 45 (after midnight/central) NOW, working on good/bad cholesterol... Both need ta go lower!
How are y'all doing with lowering your sodium NOW/STILL?
Any updates?
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Why do you need good cholesterol to go lower? That's a new one on me. Typically you want to elevate good cholesterol and lower bad cholesterol.0
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While sodium may be the issue, it's the CIGARETTES and weight that's more likely causing higher risk. What's it gonna take to quit now?
A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
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Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
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So, I'm in a bit different position due to a genetic condition that I have...I have to consume more sodium daily...at the level of 4 - 6g daily (4000 - 6000mg), or I can have some serious side effects. Here's the kicker though (although opposite situations): if I rely on heavily processed foods, I still may not make my sodium levels AND I'm eating excessive calories. PLUS...my husband doesn't have my genetic condition, although my son does...SO...he clearly doesn't need all that added salt.
I personally keep to simple homemade meals (although I will have like a lean cuisine or something at lunch sometimes...easy to take to work and easy to increase sodium)....I can add or remove salts easily to meet the needs of the whole family. Just remember that foods naturally have sodium content themselves...like chicken, beef, and pork is going to have around 50 - 60mg of sodium in and of itself without anything being added to it (I keep all this in my head as my doctor wants me reporting on sodium too :P ) Adding in more fresh fruits and veggies can definitely help with decreasing sodium as long as you aren't putting sodium filled things on top of them to make them palatable to you.
Penzey's has a great line of sodium free flavor profiles. I'll personally flavor while cooking with these and then at the end of a meal, add sodium per plate and palate so that different needs are met.
*Side note: my son and I end up using salt tablets to make up for sodium we don't consume during the day and honestly, we typically need it daily.2
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