Sodium Question

Shash27

Ok so going over your sodium is bad..we all know that (stupid sodium..). If I meet the recommended 2400 mg per day (American Heart Association recommendation) will I retain a ton of water?? Or should I try to stay under at all costs??

MouthyMatthewCHANGED

Personally, I wouldn't treat the sodium level as a goal you have to meet, I'd view it as a maximum to be aware of and avoid where possible.

But as with all things, it's about moderation. If you were to go over it here and there, it wouldn't be the end of the world.

I try to behave myself 80% of the time and enjoy myself a little too much 20% of the time :-)

aippolito1

You should try to have as little as possible. 2400mg is the MAX. As zodyack said, don't look at it as something you should meet, think of it as something you SHOULDN'T meet.

VeryKerri

Sodium has to be balanced as our body needs it to work properly. I can't remember exactly what the minimum is but I think its 1000 mg per day but not to exceed 2400. Like was said before 2400/2500 is just a goal MFP sets for you. if you go over a day or two here and there its not a big deal, but it shouldnt be consistent. I hit 2500 almost every day because there is sodium in everything you eat, even fruit. As long as my diet doesnt consist of too much processed foods then I don't really worry about it.

SylvieJacques

I agree with everything posted. There is so much hidden sodium in everything that I would suggest that the goal is the very max you want to go to... try to stay as low as possible. I know body needs sodium but as it is in everything we eat, I have never heard about someone not having enough sodium.

Shash27

Let me rephrase..I don't think I worded that well :embarassed:

I don't TRY to meet my sodium content. I try to stay under...but I worry the days I'm not as under as others that it will negatively effect my weight loss..

Mindful_Trent

Let me rephrase..I don't think I worded that well :embarassed:

I don't TRY to meet my sodium content. I try to stay under...but I worry the days I'm not as under as others that it will negatively effect my weight loss..

I would just aim to eat as low sodium as possible on a regular basis. I've read the minimum need for body functioning is 500mg/day, but you don't even have to try to get that - you can get it from fresh fruits/veggies/eggs/meats, etc. (not even counting processed foods) If you have the occasional day where you're high, just drink some extra water to compensate. It may temporarily cause water retention, but that will drop when your levels get back to normal.

I typically aim for 1000-1500 mg/day - my "goal" is set to 2000. I will occasionally go over 2000 or even 2400. As long as you don't do it often, it shouldn't be a problem. Just make sure you're always aware of your sodium consumption.

Lyadeia

I also try to have as little as possible. Whenever I season certain foods or salt is called for in a recipe, I use a product called "No Salt" which tastes just like sodium, but it is really potassium chloride. It's real "salt" just using potasium instead of sodium. Also, as stated before, try your best to stay away from pre-packaged processed foods, especially frozen meals.

LuckyLeprechaun

it is possible to be too low in sodium, and our hearts need enough of it to pump, muscles need it, etc. That said, you'd have to be trying reeeeally hard to limit it in order to go too low.

our american numbers that say 2400/day is the max, is way high compared to other countries'. If you are staying conscious of it, ad limiting it whenever you reasonably can, you'll be okay. If you have a high sodium day, just try to compensate by drinking extra water, and know that you'll likely see a scale fluctuation because the sodium will cause temporary water retention.