sodium question! need advice

caribeals
caribeals Posts: 105 Member
edited September 24 in Food and Nutrition
i have checked some past threads on sodium. i have noticed sodium is the number one thing that makes me seem to gain weight the worst. one thread suggests upping potassium to combat high sodium levels. other than chugging extra water, does anyone else have any tips to help with sodium? i usually average 2000mg a day, but today went WAY over. (subway for supper did me in!) any tips, tricks, help or advice would be greatly appreciated!!!! :)

Replies

  • merrillfoster
    merrillfoster Posts: 855 Member
    Bump. I wish there were some kind of anti-sodium pill or something. I love salt, I'd take those pills by the handful! lol.
  • EDBENAGLIO
    EDBENAGLIO Posts: 424
    MY UNDERSTANDING IS ALL YOU CAN DO IS DRINK TONS OR WATER AND STOP EATING IT ( SORRY )
  • paulinehill
    paulinehill Posts: 1
    me too
  • toots99
    toots99 Posts: 3,794 Member
    Bump. I wish there were some kind of anti-sodium pill or something. I love salt, I'd take those pills by the handful! lol.

    You and me both!
  • nevergonnagiveup
    nevergonnagiveup Posts: 41
    Hi cariballinger! The reason salt (sodium) puts on 'weight' is because it helps you to retain fluids. This is not part of the fat weight you need to burn off. The only way to deal with sodium is to eat less of it. No quick fixes! Quick fixes can lead to other electrolyte imbalances. Start choosing better options. Easier said than done, I know. Potassium does help to balance things a little but it doesn't necessarily get rid of excess salt. Only your body can do that. Take it easy, start again.... it does get easier. Greens such as broccoli, cabbage, celery, chard etc have a salty taste, but are balanced naturally with sodium if you are looking for that salty taste.. If you have had a 'salty' day, drink lots of water and don't weigh yourself! It will only be water retention. Let the water and your body do what it needs to do before you 'freak' out on the scales. Salt has been my weakness in the past so I know how hard it can be. I promise, it does get easier and your taste buds will change what they like.!!! Hope this helps! :smile:
  • remolding
    remolding Posts: 25 Member
    The only answer is too watch the processed foods, use spices for seasoning in place of salt., drink water to help your system flush it out. I'm very salt sensitive, so I use none, I use a lot of garlic/pepper. You will get use to less salt. Good Luck.:flowerforyou:
  • caribeals
    caribeals Posts: 105 Member
    Hi cariballinger! The reason salt (sodium) puts on 'weight' is because it helps you to retain fluids. This is not part of the fat weight you need to burn off. The only way to deal with sodium is to eat less of it. No quick fixes! Quick fixes can lead to other electrolyte imbalances. Start choosing better options. Easier said than done, I know. Potassium does help to balance things a little but it doesn't necessarily get rid of excess salt. Only your body can do that. Take it easy, start again.... it does get easier. Greens such as broccoli, cabbage, celery, chard etc have a salty taste, but are balanced naturally with sodium if you are looking for that salty taste.. If you have had a 'salty' day, drink lots of water and don't weigh yourself! It will only be water retention. Let the water and your body do what it needs to do before you 'freak' out on the scales. Salt has been my weakness in the past so I know how hard it can be. I promise, it does get easier and your taste buds will change what they like.!!! Hope this helps! :smile:

    thanks so much! my downside is salty foods like lunchmeat and lean cuisine tv dinners. lol i will definately work more on limiting those things and drinking more water. thanks for everyone's help!
  • eating4balance
    eating4balance Posts: 743 Member
    I just cut my sodium way down from 2500 to 1200 on average a day.

    My main change was salads, bread, and meats.

    1. With salads, I got rid of dressing altogether and now use banana peppers, tomatoes and onions as flavorful toppers. Sometimes I mix water and dressing together so I still get some flavor. My dad adds ground pepper to his!
    2. Bread and tortillas are really high in sodium, so I would suggest looking for grains with 200 mg or lower.
    3. Meats- deli meats are super lean, but the worst with sodium. Sara Lee has reduced sodium deli meats however.

    *At subway, I get a salad with grilled chicken and tons of veggies on top.
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