Sodium offsets from exercise

TXEXrunner
TXEXrunner Posts: 178 Member
in Food and Nutrition
First time at this so bear with me. I have been watching my diet now for a few months through MFP and while initially focused on calories in/ calories out, what has now monopolized my attention is the evil sodium. Based on what MFP says, I need major change in my diet. In my quest for looking for answers, I can't help but wonder - should there be an accounting correction for for sodium that is associated with cardio workouts? My research has revealed that sodium (and water for that matter) are lost through a good workout, just as calories are burned. And of course, if it's on the Internet it must be true! I can appreciate this varies from person to person based on a variety of factors - intensity of workout, hydration, air temp - but I believe something could be established as an estimate.

So, I am interested in thoughts from the MFP community. If this question has already been posed, please point me to the post and I will go from there. In the mean time, I will continue to increase my asparagus intake as I work to curb my sodium cravings. Thanks all in advance.

Tx

Replies

  • 1skinnysouthernchick
    1skinnysouthernchick Posts: 24 Member
    This is a very interesting question, one that I've not thought about. I do try to watch my sodium and cringe sometimes when I get home and see what the actual count was. I do think sodium can be helpful for those serious cardio workouts where you sweat a lot. Anyway, I googled this article. Maybe it will help.

    http://www.livestrong.com/article/445772-how-much-sodium-is-lost-during-exercise/
  • FauxFoxx
    FauxFoxx Posts: 53 Member
    I didn't know that! ^_^ But, if you're worried about sodium try and make sure you keep your potassium levels up as potassium can help counteract some of that.
  • cheripugh1
    cheripugh1 Posts: 357 Member
    I don't know, I do know that what is recommended for sodium levels is actually too high... I do not think the normal person needs to increase their levels, IF you are drinking enough water, eating vegetables and in general having a balanced diet, nearly every single food and water (yep) has sodium in it naturally. I do know of one person who had the need for excessive amounts of sodium but again that is very rare.

    I do know I had open heart surgery and the ONLY thing they said to watch and watch closely was my sodium levels... keep them down! (and FYI I was not obese at that time)

    Maybe you should ask your Dr. or nutritionist via your clinic, they have your numbers and are professionally educated to help you make the correct choices for your body and health.
  • TXEXrunner
    TXEXrunner Posts: 178 Member
    Thanks all. More research is in my future (and was already on the list for my Dr). I appreciate the feedback.
  • 1skinnysouthernchick
    1skinnysouthernchick Posts: 24 Member
    In my family we actually have family members with low blood pressure. So the recommendation is more sodium. It causes water retention which helps keep the blood pressure up.

    Still, a good cardio burn would get rid of sodium and water.
  • TXEXrunner
    TXEXrunner Posts: 178 Member
    Thanks Dr. Skinny. And I am more and more a believer in giving myself an offset when I have a particularly "enthusiastic" workout!

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