So What's The Deal With Salt?

I added sodium to my food tracker so I could keep the sodium intake under control. You'd be shocked to know how much sodium you take in on any given day if you don't make a conscious effort to avoid it. And yes, it does play a role in weight loss (well, water weight anyway--too much can cause you to retain fluid).

Sodium causes your body to retain water, thus making it harder to lose weight. Drink plenty of water to flush out your system - sounds funny since you are retaining water, however only more water will flush it out. Sodium can also increase your blood pressure. Here's a good link about sodium and your diet: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/sodium/NU00284

I call it pop and am American (although pretty north for an American - in MI).

I have the same issues with salt. I've been trying to not salt my food as much. I try to add other thing for flavor, although most of them have a lot of sodium anyway - like hot sauce. Not sure which is better. I also don't usually crave sweets, its rare when I do.

As for salt's affect, I believe its water weight. The more sodium you take in, the more water you retain. I haven't been able to cut out, or down, on the salt to know if its really affecting me. I'm guessing there are people that might know more. I guess if I always eat salt in the same amount, my weight will consistently be the couple pounds more than if I didn't have it. I dunno.

Just wanted to let you know I'm in the same boat and I look forward to hearing what everyone else has to say.

Here's a link to a pretty easy to read and informative article http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/sodium/NU00284

"If your kidneys can't eliminate enough sodium, the sodium starts to accumulate in your blood. Because sodium attracts and holds water, your blood volume increases. Increased blood volume, in turn, makes your heart work harder to move more blood through your blood vessels, increasing pressure in your arteries. Certain diseases such as congestive heart failure, cirrhosis and chronic kidney disease can lead to an inability to regulate sodium.

Some people are more sensitive to the effects of sodium than are others. People who are sodium sensitive retain sodium more easily, leading to excess fluid retention and increased blood pressure. If you're in that group, extra sodium in your diet increases your chance of developing high blood pressure, a condition that can lead to cardiovascular and kidney diseases. "

So, that's the deal. I know if I eat more than 2000mg a day, I start to retain water. I can't even feel it sometimes, but since I've been so closely monitoring my weight, I definitely see the water retention manifest itself on the scale.

You'd be surprised how much your tastebuds change when you start to eliminate it from your diet. The same thing happened with sugar for me. Sometimes I'll make something and taste it and say "Oh, that's too salty" and then turn to warn my boyfriend only to find him shaking salt onto his food because he doesn't think it's salty enough. :laugh:

almost forgot: another name for "pop" or soda, in the south, or at least Texas, I hear "coke." As in, "what can I get you to drink?" "I'll have a Coke." "What kind? "Dr. Pepper's fine, thanks." ???

:laugh: That's what we call it in Arkansas too. "Coke" is a very generic term here.

My blood pressure is always on the low side. Last week it was 107/60. I know its not something I want to get up there or be higher, but my BP isn't at a place where I need to watch sodium levels because of it. I also usually exceed the 2500 sodium level daily and still have the low level of BP.

I know there is a level when your BP is too low, would cutting down on sodium possibly be harmful in that case? I know I'm not the norm where this is all considered, but thought maybe someone might know. I just went to the dr last week and she didn't seem to be concerned, so I guess I'm ok with these #s.

Also, would having low BP affect the water retention, would I still be retaining the fluid given my lower BP?

Sorry to hijack your thread!

jlb123 - thank you so much for answering my questions. I've been trying to watch my sodium a little more, but that hasn't been my main focus. With watching other area, my sodium levels to get an added bonus sometimes though.

If you do experiement with that mexican food - let me know the results. I me some mexican food!!

I LOVE salt, but alas, it does NOT love me. If I've had a particularly salty day, the next morning my hands will be swollen so much that I can barely form a fist. The scale will hate me as well.

So, I try to eliminate the processed foods that contain it, instead lightly salting the food on my plate. You can buy lower sodium canned and frozen goods frequently, which goes a LONG way towards cutting down on your intake.

Hi! i'm a saltaholic. I love my buttery salty pop corn or chips and I salt my food too Although the sodium tracker has helped me immensly to cut back on sodium.

Here is this article I found that may be interesting to you (I've also heard this information from my Nurtrition professor in college)

There are several different reasons why you may be craving salt. The first one is that over the years your body and your taste buds have been accustomed to a lot of salt. If you are trying to cut back on salt because of health reasons, your body will crave it, simply because it is used to lots of salt.

Craving salty foods can also be a symptom of adrenal exhaustion, especially in people who live fast-paced, stressful lives.

You could also be craving salt because your body needs the additional minerals found in natural salt. These minerals have been filtered out of our regular table salt. In this case eating salty food will only satisfy your craving temporarily until your body realizes it is still missing the extra minerals.

Is Salt Really Dangerous Or Addictive?

The average American has a salt intake of about 15 pounds a year. This much salt can cause high blood pressure and hypertension. The excess sodium also leaches a lot of calcium out of your bones, which over time can lead to osteoporosis.

Your body needs approximately 500 mg of salt a day. If you are an athlete or work hard physically, and sweat a lot, you will need more. The FDA's recommended daily salt intake is 2,500 mg a day for the average adult. Most North Americans' daily salt intake is over 5,000 mg. This is the processed, white, refined sodium chloride, which is toxic to our bodies.

Salt cravings have also been linked to serious health conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure and sickle cell anemia. If you find yourself craving a lot of salt all of a sudden, it may be a good idea to schedule a physical. Be sure to mention your salt cravings to your physician, so he or she can administer appropriate tests for the conditions mentioned above.

What Can I Do To Curb My Salt Cravings?

If you are craving salt as a result of being accustomed to consuming a lot of salt with your foods or enjoying lots of salty foods like potato chips, salted nuts etc., then slowly cut back on your salt intake and replace it with herbs and spices to give you lots of flavor without the salt. An excellent way to get the salt taste you crave as well as 84 necessary minerals is to use Himalayan Salt Crystals.

If stress and adrenal exhaustion are causing your salt cravings, try eating food that are high in Vitamin C and Potassium.

Foods High In Vitamin C – Citrus, Pepper, Broccoli

Foods High In Potassium – Apricots, Bran Wheat, Raisins, Figs, and Baked Potato With Skin

If you are craving salt, or just consuming a lot of salt each day, start cutting back on your salt intake. Opt for low sodium versions of foods and condiments. Start paying attention to the amount of salt in certain food. Take a look at a bread label. You’ll be surprised how much salt is in a single slice of bread.

Replace some processed foods with fresh fruits and vegetables and season your dishes with herbs and spices. Stick with it and after a while you won’t miss the salt and will be feeling better.

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Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Diana_Walker

This is from memory so I hope I have this correct. My father had a stroke caused by becoming diabetic, having the plaque that it will form in the arteries which formed a clot, and went to his brain. NOW I was told that high salt intake can damage your adrenal system, causing you to become diabetic. SOOOO with that in mind....my dad used to salt things so much, no one else could eat it! I try to not eat much salt, just in case. Especially since diabetes can also be genetic...why chance adding something else to the mix. I believe it is the iodine in table salt that messes with you because that is one of the meds you take as a diabetic...or hypoglycimic...can't remember, but iodine kills the thyroid??? You then replace it with insulin shots.

Like I said...this is from about 20 years ago so...my memory may be a little off but it is still NOT good for your organs to eat too much salt!