How do I counteract too much sodium?

EAMac

Since being on MFP, I'm noticing that sodium really causes a lot of bloating for me. So, I'm definitely trying to reduce my sodium intake. However, several days I've gone over. What can I do to counteract the sodium and its bloating effects? Just lots of water? Thanks!

NightOwl1

The two things you can do are lots of water and increase your potassium intake. Potassium helps offset excess sodium as well. Try orange juice, milk, and bananas as good sources of potassium.

merrillfoster

Bump

grouch201

Lots of water was always my solution, though I don't think I've dealt with a lot of bloating issues. I also found the following site:

http://bloating-remedies.com/anti-bloating-foods/

lisawest

Water is a great start. Add to that potassium and you'll be set! I don't all the science, by the potassium bonds with the excess sodium and makes it easier to be flushed. At least that's how I understood the bio teacher's explanation.

Potassium is found in whole foods (fruits, veggies, etc.). The LESS processing the food has been through, the MORE potassium it will have. Don't think JUST bananas. Cantelope, spinach, and a plethra of other foods have a bunch!

HTH!

merrillfoster

Are potassium supplements effective? I find that I can't get in enough fruits/veggies to get enough potassium (this has always been a problem for me, possibly related to the diabetes).

wolfchild59

Actually, the potassium triggers the kidneys to excrete more sodium so it can be flushed out.

EAMac

Thanks! I'll definitely try to watch my intake better and try to include some more potassium-rich foods in my diet.

freeDante

Chemistry nerd here - Potassium doesn't bond with Sodium!

The reason that extra potassium helps offset high levels of sodium is because your cells have a "pump" that take in potassium and kick out sodium! The pump need to have the potassium to work, or else they won't be able to kick out the sodium. Once the sodium is out of the cells, your body can excrete it via urine.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Na+/K+-ATPase

ldrosophila

water

Katla49

Salt substitute is made of potassium. It isn't always good for cooking, but it does a great job at the table. Leave salt out of the food you cook, and add salt or salt substitute at the table. Be wary of prepackaged foods and restaurant foods, They are often very high in sodium. Read labels. And drink lots of water.:drinker: :drinker: :drinker:

bcattoes

Are potassium supplements effective? I find that I can't get in enough fruits/veggies to get enough potassium (this has always been a problem for me, possibly related to the diabetes).

Do you like V8 or tomato juice? Tons of potassium.

magerum

Spinach, white potato, meat (chicken & beef) are all excellent sources, much more so than banana's.

BootCampC

water , sweat , cardio , repeat!

BootCampC

oh cardio sweat water repeat

ironanimal

Ingest more potassium as well if you know you've gone nuts on the salt. Grab a banana or something.

Faye_Anderson

Wow! Possibly the oldest zombie thread I've ever seen

pineapple_jojo

Coconut water has loads of potassium.

JazmineYoli

Thanks. This is helpful to me as well.

FXOjafar

Are potassium supplements effective? I find that I can't get in enough fruits/veggies to get enough potassium (this has always been a problem for me, possibly related to the diabetes).

I take a supplement plus include avocados and spinach in my diet when I can. I also drink heaps of water 3-4L/day which keeps me flushed.

pineapple_jojo

Woah! The original post is nearly three years old! How did that happen?!

Stoshew71

All good potassium sources that I go to: Sweet potatoes, watercress, coconut water, fish (talapia, salmon, pollock, tuna), certain beans (kidney beans, black beans, pinto beans - just look on the label cause not all brands label potassium Walmart Great value does), unsalted cashews and almonds, celery, spinach....