Question for Nutrition Nerds...

Calliope610
Calliope610 Posts: 3,783 Member
in Food and Nutrition
I tend to consume about 3000-3500mg sodium per day. The big culprits are my morning cottage cheese (1 cup full fat - 900+mg) and my processed turkey breast (3oz) at lunch. But...... I drink a lot of water (100+ oz/day). Does my high water consumption negate the detrimental effects of my high sodium consumption?

BTW, I do take meds for hypertension, but, with my dr's approval, am working to get lower my BP and get off the meds by losing weight.

Replies

  • rml_16
    rml_16 Posts: 16,414 Member
    How much potassium do you get? Water helps flush the sodium, but it's really about balancing the electrolytes.
  • Calliope610
    Calliope610 Posts: 3,783 Member
    According to MFP nutrient tracking, I have averaged about 1700mg/day with a goal of 3500mg. But given that potassium isn't labeled on many foods, I think that is probably a low estimate.
  • erickirb
    erickirb Posts: 12,294 Member
    Water would somewhat. Like the first responder pointed out, if you increase or have high sodium, try balancing with more potassium.

    If you don't have high blood pressure or other health problems, high sodium is not that bad for you, you just may retain excess water, but will have very little effect on overall health, and none on fat loss.
  • rml_16
    rml_16 Posts: 16,414 Member
    According to MFP nutrient tracking, I have averaged about 1700mg/day with a goal of 3500mg. But given that potassium isn't labeled on many foods, I think that is probably a low estimate.
    It's not labeled because it isn't in a lot of foods. It's a tough one to get enough of.

    But I guess I'd say it's only too much (in balance with potassium and fluid intake -- remember, you're getting fluids from foods, too, so you're getting more than 100 oz of water) if it's having an adverse effect on your health or how you feel. Do you seem to be retaining a lot of water? Bloated?

    When you walk a long distance, do your fingers swell? Your ankles?
  • BikerGirlElaine
    BikerGirlElaine Posts: 1,631 Member
    ^^ This is good information, thank you rml_16

    OP, I have a lot of potassium foods in my diary recently if you want to take a peek.
  • bcattoes
    bcattoes Posts: 17,299 Member
    Unlike a lot MFP users, I think too much sodium is a problem for most people. Certainly not everyone, and certainly there are things that change the amount at which it becomes "too much". Potassium intake and the amount you sweat are big factors.

    Here is a good article on how sodium affects our health, if you are interested.

    http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/salt-and-sodium/sodium-health-risks-and-disease/
  • amsky
    amsky Posts: 916 Member
    I tend to consume about 3000-3500mg sodium per day. The big culprits are my morning cottage cheese (1 cup full fat - 900+mg) and my processed turkey breast (3oz) at lunch. But...... I drink a lot of water (100+ oz/day). Does my high water consumption negate the detrimental effects of my high sodium consumption?

    BTW, I do take meds for hypertension, but, with my dr's approval, am working to get lower my BP and get off the meds by losing weight.

    I would ask your DR...BUT if on hypertension meds I *think* you should be making better food choices , like ones lower in sodium ...but that's just me .

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