perspective on sodium

GretaGirl8
GretaGirl8 Posts: 274 Member
in Food and Nutrition
Is sodium that bad for you? I don't actively add salt to food, and I try to limit processed foods, but I still seems to hit around 1800 mg sodium per day. I don't have high blood pressure. Are there other issues and concerns related to sodium that should be considered? And to what extent is water retention "bloating" related to sodium intake?

Replies

  • Staniel_2013
    Staniel_2013 Posts: 120 Member
    Honestly, unless otherwise told by a doctor I really wouldn't bother worrying about sodium. If you drink plenty of water the whole "bloating" and water retention and stuff is really blown out of proportion.

    I love salt and cooking my own meals. When I realized that 1/4 tsp of salt is 500mg of sodium I just started ignoring it. I'll put that much on avacado half to eat for a snack.

    All in all, your body will retain water for multiple reasons. Don't stress yourself out about it and just worry about eating healthier in general and you will be fine.
  • cm1458
    cm1458 Posts: 742 Member
    Staniel_2013 is right.

    I retain fluid very easily (hormone disorder/PCOS) and my doctor has recommended for me to stay below 2,000mg a day.

    I was consuming (about a year and a half ago) amounts that were topping 3000 mg a day...I thought macro-nutrients didn't matter at all until recently

    . I've noticed that My blood pressure and HR have decreased a bit since doing this but havent seen much weight loss...which is normal for me now because I have been STUCK between 180 and 191 a LONG TIME (was previously in the 260s). I'm hoping cutting the sodium will help me drop some weight and improve my cardiovascular functions.

    I'd say if you're at about 1,800 mg you're probably fine as long as your doctor doesn't urge you to cut back.

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