My Sodium intake is too low.

MissCheese
MissCheese Posts: 195 Member
in Food and Nutrition
I've been struggling all week wth fatigue, random cramps in my calves and minor headaches.

Was having a look at the macros on here for the last week or two and my Sodium levels have been very very low some days and generally lower than the limit MFP gives for the day. When I say very very low I mean around 10% on other days it is half.

I eat very healthily, mostly fruits & vegetables with small quantities of meat/fish/bread/dairy/fat on a daily basis.

What is a natural source of sodium that I could include in my diet to help bring the level up? I know a low sodium diet is very bad but don't want to add processed foods to my diet but could include some salt in my cooking, something I haven't done for a number of months now.

Replies

  • littlelily613
    littlelily613 Posts: 769 Member
    how low is it? Instead of adding processed foods, just sprinkle some sea salt on some of your foods. Or make popcorn with a bit of salt.
  • MissCheese
    MissCheese Posts: 195 Member
    It's typically around 1,000 but some days less than 500. Daily MFP value is 2,500.
  • gaia3rd
    gaia3rd Posts: 151
    Those symptoms could also come from things like not enough calories, low blood sugar, not enough potassium, etc. You might want to open your diary so people can give you more informed suggestions. If you're convinced it's the salt, then yes, just measure out an allowance of sea salt for the day and sprinkle it on your food. Or, if you exercise a lot, try an electrolyte balanced drink.
  • MrsAgi
    MrsAgi Posts: 338 Member
    I hardly ever go above 1000, and am mostly well below 500 - but I don't have any of those symptoms.

    Very low sodium is a LOT lower than you have suggested you are taking in....

    Unless you are eating ONLY completely unprocessed foods (no bread/pasta/shop bought meals/garb n go sandwiches), it is extremely unlikely you will not get enough sodium for your body's needs.

    Your symptoms could be from many things, but at a guess (assuming it is nutrition based) I'd suggest dehydration or possibly overhydration rather than lack of sodium
  • BreakingOath
    BreakingOath Posts: 193 Member
    I've never heard of those symptoms from low sodium. It could be from a number of other things. How are your potassium levels looking?
  • wftiger
    wftiger Posts: 1,283 Member
    The human body only needs 180mg of sodium per day which does not include what is lost with exercise but I doubt anyone would lose enough sodium to have to eat more than 1200-1500 per day. At 500mg you are more than double what your body needs.

    For your reference -- http://www.cnpp.usda.gov/publications/dietaryguidelines/2010/meeting2/commentattachments/aha-220e.pdf

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