Always Over on Sodium!!

PLAID1977

Just how important is my sodium intake to weight loss? I drink about 1.5-2 gallons of water each day. But I am almost always over my MFP sodium "goal". I don't eat junk (at least not often). But it's amazing to me how much sodium is in everything...eggs, tuna, etc. All the things I eat regularly! I am at a bit of a plateau and wondering if sodium is the culprit. Can I just drink more water to flush it out? It should only add to water retention/bloating right? Not actual prevention of weight loss (fat loss)?

cmfruin2012

I struggle with sodium also. I find that I retain water terribly regardless of how much water I drink if I consume a lot of sodium, even though the common advice is to drink more water. And you are right -- it is in everything. No matter how "clean" I try to eat -- it sneaks in there through things like condiments, cheese, etc. I have found that the water retention masks fat loss thus you don't feel like you ever lose weight -- the water is always there.

Murph1908

I just had my annual appointment with my doctor last week, and discussed this with him. I too always have sodium way over goal. He said that controlling everything (fat, carbs, sodium, cholesterol) is difficult. Since my blood pressure was fine, he said to not worry about the sodium.

I also think that overall (since my BP is fine) whatever was working to drop my weight is far better for me than the excess sodium is harmful.

Now, if my BP was high, I would imagine the conversation would have been quite different.

ahamm002

Sodium has zero impact on fat loss. The recommendation for keeping sodium low stems from it's effect on blood pressure. However, the majority of the population is not even salt sensitive anyway. So if your blood pressure if fine than don't worry about salt.

PLAID1977

Thank you! My blood pressure is always fine...sometimes even a bit low. I'm happy to hear I can stop obsessing over this number! Maybe I'll remove it from my diary so I can't even see it!

Some_Watery_Tart

Thank you! My blood pressure is always fine...sometimes even a bit low. I'm happy to hear I can stop obsessing over this number! Maybe I'll remove it from my diary so I can't even see it!

I finally removed it from mine. It was just stressing me out--which is much worse for your blood pressure. :laugh:

mschicagocubs

If your weight loss is stalling it could possibly be from sodium. If it isn't then I wouldnt worry about it.

But you seem to eat a lot of cheese. Which trust me, I love cheese. But maybe eliminate a little of it a day, might help if you are struggling on the scale.

Might not though

Greytfish

Sodium isn't going to affect wight loss, just water retention in the short term. If you consume an excess of sodium, you can consume more water to help flush the excess sodium.

Long term it can have an effect on your BP (both high and low), cardiac function and performance.

I wouldn't obsess over it, but I would try to not exceed it consistently. Waiting until you have a problem is not the best approach.

As an aside, you probably want to focus more on limiting your tuna intake. The max for women 18-44 is two 2.5 oz. serving per week to avoid mercury toxicity. But, you can easily substitute another fish or lean meat.

jim180155

If you're eating a lot of processed foods, you're going to get a lot of sodium. And excess sodium is not good for you. You can ignore it until or if it becomes a problem, or you can try to limit your intake.

I eat a lot of whole, raw veggies & fruits that I prepare myself during the day, then get a salad or sandwich or something from a store or restaurant for dinner. My dinner might have over 1000 mg of sodium in it, but my daily totals tend to stay way under the MFP limits.