Sodium levels?

Vex3521

Can anyone tell me what's actually acceptable for sodium daily? Keep seeing really wide margins so it's not helping me. One study says 2400, another 2000 - 2200.... then yet another says no more than 1500! HELP!!

I usually am over target (1500 daily) but really am not that effected by water retention from like some folks seem to be. I'd like to improve by being able to either decrease if the current level is bad or by setting it more realistic if I'm too low so staying closer to target is possible.

I know the culprit usually is my banquet turkey sausage but I have a short window to cook breakfast in so I would otherwise have to cut sleep time (I Only get 4hrs a night due to work) so unfortunately unless I find a better sub I think that is my go to =/. Willing to do more cook ahead and portion out on the weekends.... I just really like a nice fresh hot breakfast and not a reheat meal to start my day

drgardnerva01

Don't have recommended ranges at hand, but I'd guess it comes down to a couple of things. If you're especially active, you might need a higher level intake to offset what you lose in sweat. Other would be adverse effects - water retention and hypertension come to mind. If you're not seeing problems, maybe it's not a problem?

tiddles_yeah

I am a med student and generally the recommended amount os 2500mg, but depending on your fitness level your body can tolerate up to about 3000mg. If you have trouble or a family history of heart disease/high blood pressure, try to reduce it from the 2500mg or at least stick to this, but otherwise dont worry about it too much

laurelobrien

Sodium is unfairly demonized. If you get your water and don't have any blood pressure conditions etc exacerbated by sodium, then don't worry about it.

Vex3521

Thanks everyone! With those numbers even when I am "over" I guess I'm technically under . One less worry it looks like. Was just worried seeing it in the red so much that it could derail or slow progress. I have a goal to be back in a bikini this summer and really would like to have the weight off for the most part by spring so it's not a struggle and something I can do at a good pace.

laurelobrien

Well, good luck! Sodium will do nothing to hinder fat loss, it can just cause some water retention if you aren't getting enough water. It's still a micronutrient that's useful and has functions in your body. :-)