Too Little Sodium?

MissTomGettingThin

Hi
Anyone know anything about sodium?
I can't find anything on the net and know we're not professionals but just wondered...
If you look at my diary you'll see a very low sodium intake.
I have been having weird symptoms recently including low blood pressure but the doc seems to think I'm OK.
So this is good.
BUT I still feel rotten!.
Anyway - today my sodium intake is only 158!
Can it be too low?
What is higher in sodium but lower in calories that is better to eat?

Thanks for reading. Any ideas gratefully received.

Amanda :frown:

sarglava

I don't know how sodium is related to blood pressure. I know that sodium is a vital chemical for the body (not just from NaCl, but from all different sources). You say you've mentioned low BP and your lack of sodium intake to your doctor? Maybe you should see another doctor and just get a second opinion. Low BP is serious (which you know of course) and maybe your doctor just isn't taking it as seriously as he should.

sarglava

Meant to add to that... sodium is an element that is used mainly in brain and muscle funtion. Maybe try searching for circulatory system chemicals if you're interested in the body chemistry of it all.

MissTomGettingThin

Thanks.
My doctor took my BP and it was fine.
Although it wasn't last week.
She didn't seem to think a change in diet would effect me this much - I didn't have the numbers for her so she's not exactly ignored it.

I will look online further.
Thank you for taking the time.

Mindful_Trent

I've read in multiple credible sources that 500 mg/day is the minimum for proper body functioning. If you're under that, you should definitely add a little to your diet...

In general low sodium = good, but you can go too low. It is a CRITICAL component in our bodies that affects just about every system/organ. Make sure you getting at least the minimum 500 mg/day.

Mindful_Trent

One thing - I took a peek at your food diary and you should double check the sodium values for some of your foods. I would be *very* surprised if your soup from lunch or the pasta sauce or the mocha really has 0 sodium. Unfortunately you can't rely on what is in the database - you should double check everything if possible. I'm willing to bet you've consumed more than your diary is showing.

xraychick77

you do need a certain amount of sodium..most of us get too much, which does in fact contribute to high blood pressure. sodium is an electrolyte that your body needs to function and your muscles to work. Your heart is a muscle and needs electrolytes to function properly. If you dont intake enough electrolytes you will feel sluggish and your heart may suffer. If you feel heart palps or flutterings its called PVC's (premature ventricular contractions), while these are not deadly they are a sign of a low sodium/electrolyte imbalance. electrolytes help maintain proper body functions, if you do not intake enough sodium you can become dehydrated, inpact your kidney functions(renal failure) and of course heart. It is usually recommended to intake 1500-2300mg a day. You need to intake more sodium..right now your best bet is to grab a big gallon jug of Gatorade 2 and drink up. If you dont you may find yourself in my ER hooked up to a banana bag.

Mindful_Trent

It is usually recommended to intake 1500-2300mg a day.

FYI - while I agree that if the OP really has had <200 mg of sodium, she needs more, 1500-2300 is NOT the minimum we need. That's around 500 mg. 1500 is the MAX recommended for people with high blood pressure and heart problems, and 2300 has been the MAX recommended for everyone else for awhile now. That said, the USDA and the AHA are now recommending a MAX of 1500mg/day for everyone, even those with no blood pressure problems.

HeatherShrinking

One thing - I took a peek at your food diary and you should double check the sodium values for some of your foods. I would be *very* surprised if your soup from lunch or the pasta sauce or the mocha really has 0 sodium. Unfortunately you can't rely on what is in the database - you should double check everything if possible. I'm willing to bet you've consumed more than your diary is showing.

I was thinking the same thing, so I did a touch of research on your meals

I found your soup nutritional information online (http://www.ocado.com/webshop/product/Batchelors-Slim-A-Soup-Chicken--Mushroom-4-per-pack/13591011). For 1 serving/satchel it says it has 0.46 g of sodium (or 460mg of sodium like it is measured on MFP).

For your Dolmio - Light Sundried Tomato Stir-In Pasta Sauce (which sounds delicious!). I found their nutritional info here http://www.dolmio.co.uk/productdetails.aspx?ID=29d77f7f-43b9-4cd6-9351-e9ef496cafd7. It doesn't actually list sodium, but it lists 1.2 grams of salt. I'm not sure of this (maybe a helpful MFP-er can confirm, deny or clarify :flowerforyou: ), but I think the salt amount translates roughly to sodium.

Hope that helps a bit.

MissTomGettingThin

Thank you all!! :O)
I have the nescafe box here and the soup and will edit the entries on MFP or add to my own foods.
Thanks again :drinker:

MissTomGettingThin

Looking better already folks.
Thanks again

JustAnotherBob

- The USDA just released (Feb 11) their new numbers (sodium) ... 2300mg young adults, 1500mg for adults 50+ ... my cardiologist just cut me back to 1200mg. The AHA came out and said those numbers were still too high. They would like to see 1500mg be the new high number.

- I like the food database here ... but yes, you need to watch the numbers as quite a few common items are way off.