Is there a value of Sodium intake that's too low?

hush404

When I started using MFP, it really showed me how much sodium I've been (over)consuming and I've adjusted my diet accordingly to cut down my intake. I know sodium is needed... to live, but are there values that are too low in the general day to day count? MFP recommends it be > 2300mg (an American standard), and some days I struggle to keep it around that level (usually higher if Im not careful), depending on my eating habits, for example, today I've noticed it's not quite 800mg based on my meals for the day. Should I try to raise that some or just leave it what it is and only be concerned if I see adverse effects?

Ninkyou

I don't think a day or two of low sodium is going to hurt you any... it's just continually coming under a certain number will probably have adverse health effects. I checked the CDC website and it says 180 mg and 500 mg per day minimum for the body to function properly, but 1500 mg is the daily recommendation, with 2300 mg being the cap.

Strokingdiction

It's not set on a 24 hours intake/usage schedule. If you're low one day and high the next, then it evens itself out. Generally, you don't have to worry about sodium unless you have medical reasons, diagnosed or family history. I wouldn't worry about going to low unless you actively tried to eat less than 200mg a day or took long term diuretic medications for various medical reason. "Symptoms of moderate hyponatremia include tiredness, disorientation, headache, muscle cramps, and nausea. Severe hyponatremia can lead to seizures and coma. These neurological symptoms are thought to result from the movement of water into brain cells, causing them to swell and disrupt their functioning (from WebMD)."

dbmata

You'll feel it if you go too low too long.
It's unpleasant, and why I use electrolyte mixes for heavy workout days.

3laine75

You'll feel it if you go too low too long.
It's unpleasant, and why I use electrolyte mixes for heavy workout days.

This. I don't know how low is too low but dizziness or fainting would make you aware of it - it causes low blood pressure (not too serious short-term) but as above poster says, you'll know.

ythannah

1500 mg/day is the latest recommended maximum. MFP is a bit outdated in this regard.

Sueb1420

You will know when you go to low for to long. Mine was around 800mg for some time but I was not tracking and did not realize it. Due to the heat and my workouts this was to low for me. I felt really sick and it took a day to feel better after I started on electrolytes and adding salt to my food.

sarafischbach9

Yes, there is a value that is too low, but this is when you consume that level on days in and days out. Sodium is one of the things we want in moderation-- too much or too little can be detrimental. Both have an affect on the heart. I do believe that you will know and will feel it if your sodium gets too low-- your muscles might feel weird or twitch, or you might feel light headed or dizzy, or workouts might be harder than normal.

1500 mg is the recommended amount, with 2300 mg being the daily upper limit value. Some people do need to consume more than 2300 mg but that is not the average person.

hush404

Thanks everyone. Very helpful

macchiatto

Interesting! I tend toward low blood pressure so I tend not to go super low with my sodium.

CipherZero

1500 mg/day is the latest recommended maximum. MFP is a bit outdated in this regard.

That's interesting, as my cardiologist recommended 2500mg post-open heart surgery.