Sodium...ummm....

Michellerw1
Michellerw1 Posts: 367
edited September 20 in Food and Nutrition
This is quite a strange question. I notice that I daily come in around 1000mg of sodium. I have never been one to salt my food or like salty foods (except bacon). It seems that the MFP totals in the food log area are based off of the FDA recommended daily values. Does anyone know if there is any harm in coming in well below the recommended amount of daily sodium intake?

Replies

  • DrBorkBork
    DrBorkBork Posts: 4,099 Member
    The FDA recommends a minimum of 1500 sodium a day, and not to exceed 2500. I keep mine at 1500, as sodium contributes to water retention, and I don't want to work harder at weight loss than I already do!
  • MagicGardenMrsO
    MagicGardenMrsO Posts: 4
    DrBorkBork is right. You should try to get your sodium to about 1500mg a day.
  • kcdrake
    kcdrake Posts: 512
    In my experience, if I don't get enough sodium my muscles cramp up pretty badly.
  • Michellerw1
    Michellerw1 Posts: 367
    That does make sense; my muscles do cramp alot. I know that electrolytes are made up of alot of sodium and I figured there was some correlation. Thank you for the info!!
  • omid990
    omid990 Posts: 785 Member
    yes sodium is absolutely necessary for a functioning body. I've also been told that the minimum recommendation is 1500 mg but that number is not concrete for everyone. how do you feel with only 1000 mg? if you start to feel bad, then a low sodium intake could definitely be the cause.
  • stringsNlinks
    stringsNlinks Posts: 293 Member
    The condition is called hyponatremia when there is too little sodium.

    What Are Some Symptoms of Hyponatremia To Look For?

    •You may not have any symptoms, unless your blood sodium levels are significantly decreased.
    •The presence of symptoms is noticed with abrupt changes in your sodium level. If your sodium levels have declined gradually, you may not notice any symptoms of hyponatremia.
    •Slightly disoriented.
    •Confusion, or coma, with a significant drop in blood sodium levels.

    When To Call Your Doctor or Health Care Provider About Hyponatremia:

    •A sudden episode of confusion, or disorientation.
    •Muscle weakness.
    •Poor appetite that does not improve.
    •Shortness of breath, chest pain or discomfort; should be evaluated immediately.

    found this on http://www.chemocare.com/managing/hyponatremia-low-sodium.asp
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