Does sodium actually matter?
midpath
Posts: 246 Member
I've read conflicting studies everywhere, but today im at 3300 total but I also drink a gallon of water a day.... Idk.... Is this really that bad? I just really like salt lol
1
Replies
-
Well, it's an essential mineral. So yes, you need to eat it. More so if you're exercising. Too much though and it will screw up your electrolyte balance and end up bloated and/or dehydrated. It's a good idea to keep it close to the RDA of 2300mg for overall health4
-
I try to keep it around 2300 mg, but there are days when it's up around 3300! Especially if I have Chinese food or popcorn. I'd say it's only a problem if you have 3300+ all the time. There are days that I don't even hit 2300.
Like galgenstrick said - yes, the body needs it, and too much or too little has consequences (bloat and/or dehydration).
I try to keep it around 2300 - and I do sometimes drink just a little Gatorade to try to keep the gut in check...along with fiber and probiotics.1 -
I've found if I reduce my salt intake too much, I develop unwanted issues like facial twitching and really low blood pressure. I also tend to crave things like potato chips ... my body's way of saying, "Eat more salt already!"0
-
Sodium matters if you have high blood pressure, hypertension or certain other medical conditions.
Also, there's a minimum required amount of sodium (500ish mg, I believe) - but it's almost impossible not to consume that much, so nobody worries too much about it.
For health, what *actually* matters is not your sodium intake but the ratio of your sodium and potassium intakes. So, if you get more potassium, you can/should have more sodium and vice versa.
For weightloss, consuming more sodium may make you retain water for a few days but is otherwise mostly irrelevant.3 -
For me personally I notice an increase in bloating when I consume too much sodium. I also have a rather extensive family history of cardiovascular disease. Since I like my clothes to fit, and I'd rather not add to the list of health problems I have, I try to watch my sodium intake and keep it under 2,000mg. I don't feel too badly when I have a special dinner out and I'm so far over it's not even funny.0
-
-
Interesting article from mayo clinic
http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/sodium/art-20045479
My husband is now having kidney problems, and the doctor recommends little to no sodium , even with that he still gets plenty. I don't cook with salt anymore nor do I add it when eating. Yet I still get plenty.0 -
Water follows salt. This causes osmotic shifts of fluid between compartments in the body ... whether that be into/out of cells, veins, extra cellular space.
It plays a critical role in so many bodily functions.
.................
Guidelines are general population guidelines. Individual needs may vary for people with specific conditions.
*most* people though need to stick to the RDI of they want to be healthy.
0 -
SusanMFindlay wrote: »Sodium matters if you have high blood pressure, hypertension or certain other medical conditions.
Also, there's a minimum required amount of sodium (500ish mg, I believe) - but it's almost impossible not to consume that much, so nobody worries too much about it.
For health, what *actually* matters is not your sodium intake but the ratio of your sodium and potassium intakes. So, if you get more potassium, you can/should have more sodium and vice versa.
For weightloss, consuming more sodium may make you retain water for a few days but is otherwise mostly irrelevant.
I tried upping potassium to compensate for too much sodium. Put me straight into Tachacardia(resting heart rate over 100 BPM). YMMV.0 -
You should aim to keep your sodium near 2300mg. Supplementing with potassium is unnecessary and can be dangerous.1
This discussion has been closed.
Categories
- All Categories
- 1.4M Health, Wellness and Goals
- 393.6K Introduce Yourself
- 43.8K Getting Started
- 260.3K Health and Weight Loss
- 175.9K Food and Nutrition
- 47.5K Recipes
- 232.5K Fitness and Exercise
- 431 Sleep, Mindfulness and Overall Wellness
- 6.5K Goal: Maintaining Weight
- 8.6K Goal: Gaining Weight and Body Building
- 153K Motivation and Support
- 8K Challenges
- 1.3K Debate Club
- 96.3K Chit-Chat
- 2.5K Fun and Games
- 3.8K MyFitnessPal Information
- 24 News and Announcements
- 1.1K Feature Suggestions and Ideas
- 2.6K MyFitnessPal Tech Support Questions