Sodium

bethgrayster
bethgrayster Posts: 56 Member
edited September 25 in Health and Weight Loss
I am opposite of most people. I have really low blood pressure and am on a high sodium diet to help keep it high enough that I don’t pass out. I drink lots of fluids too. I am wondering if this is why I am losing weight so slowly. I about 5 ft tall and about 145 lbs and I’m eating around 1100 calories a day + most of my workout calories. I am trying to lose about 25-30 lbs more. (Don’t lecture me about eating less than 1200 calories, I asked my doctor). What does eating lots of sodium actually do?

Replies

  • NYM1129
    NYM1129 Posts: 16
    too much sodium will cause you to retain water. are you drinking enough water?
  • tim_fitbuilt4life
    tim_fitbuilt4life Posts: 301 Member
    Sodium retains water that's why some people are on diuretics for BP medicine.
  • mandy_marie
    mandy_marie Posts: 36 Member
    I am opposite of most people. I have really low blood pressure and am on a high sodium diet to help keep it high enough that I don’t pass out. I drink lots of fluids too. I am wondering if this is why I am losing weight so slowly. I about 5 ft tall and about 145 lbs and I’m eating around 1100 calories a day + most of my workout calories. I am trying to lose about 25-30 lbs more. (Don’t lecture me about eating less than 1200 calories, I asked my doctor). What does eating lots of sodium actually do?



    look at this website...it may have good information for you about sodium but if your doctor is telling you how much you need than you may need to stick with what they tell you but listen to your body...as far as weightloss for myself high sodium causes water retention and I will gain but I also have regular bp... hope this helps.....


    http://www.ehow.com/about_5166896_adverse-effects-high-sodium-intake.html
  • CASue13
    CASue13 Posts: 15 Member
    As far as I know - and my knowledge is pretty limited, sodium retains fluids in your body. Retention of fluids makes the heart pump harder and thus the increase in blood pressure as well as the appearance (on the scale) that you aren't losing weight. Seems to me there has got to be a better way to get your blood pressure up, but you indicated you have consulted with a physician, so he/she must be okay with this.
  • Chrissy_Michelle
    Chrissy_Michelle Posts: 176 Member
    Sodium wreaks havoc on my body. The mere sight of it seems to make me blow up like a balloon! I try to drink as much water as I can just to counter it. I would say if you are losing and your doc is saying it's safe to consume the sodium, then keep doing what you are doing. Drink water, 8-12 cups if you can...
  • bethgrayster
    bethgrayster Posts: 56 Member
    I have a 16oz cup at my desk I refill about 5-6 times a day with water and then I usually have a cup or two of coffee in the morning as well and a diet soda maybe 3 times a week. I am constantly drinking!
  • RZO42488
    RZO42488 Posts: 64
    Sodium acts as a barrier and keeps fluids in your body for longer periods of time, in comparison to low sodium intake. Basically the more sodium you put in your body, the longer it takes for your body to rid of it. Sodium is not terrible for you, and dont get the image that you'll blow up like a blimp but it does put on minor water weight. Due to your low blood pressure you cant help but have a high sodium diet.

    "Sodium is an important electrolyte that helps maintain the balance of fluid in a person's body. This means that sodium helps to regulate the amount of water in and around your body's cells. If the fluid levels in your body are not balanced, your cells will swell and medical issues may occur. Too much sodium can cause serious health issues, but too little sodium can halt important bodily functions."

    With this being said I would continue on your high sodium diet because your body needs it, just dont over-do-it.
  • bethgrayster
    bethgrayster Posts: 56 Member
    Thanks!
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