How to tell a friend to reduce her sodium intake?

Gwenski
Gwenski Posts: 348 Member
in Chit-Chat
So, I sooooo don't want to be one of those 'ex-junkfood-eaters'.. I really truly don't. A dear dear friend of mine is suffering severe health consequences due to a very heavy sodium intake. What do I say? She knows I'm eating healthy, and will be hurt if I say anything.. but will be more hurt if I don't. Even worse, she might just think I'm on a 'health' kick and not take me as seriously as she should. She's extremely sensitive about weight and food issues.. which, I totally understand. But, she's like a sister to me, and it just breaks my heart to see her choose salty foods that I know are a big part of the problem. I guess it's like confronting anyone with an 'issue' (can't and won't define it as an addiction.. that's not fair, when I don't know the full picture). People sometimes understand or accept if someone speaks to them lovingly about nicotine, alcohol, drugs etc.. but when it comes to food it gets really personal, which, I totally understand.
I love her to bits and want to help.
Any advice?

Replies

  • aba160
    aba160 Posts: 37 Member
    Has she asked you for your input? Honestly, if she hasn't, I wouldn't approach the subject. And how are you positive her health issues are due to sodium? If that is the case, I'm sure her doctor has brought it to her attention.
  • ninerbuff
    ninerbuff Posts: 48,989 Member
    So, I sooooo don't want to be one of those 'ex-junkfood-eaters'.. I really truly don't. A dear dear friend of mine is suffering severe health consequences due to a very heavy sodium intake. What do I say? She knows I'm eating healthy, and will be hurt if I say anything.. but will be more hurt if I don't. Even worse, she might just think I'm on a 'health' kick and not take me as seriously as she should. She's extremely sensitive about weight and food issues.. which, I totally understand. But, she's like a sister to me, and it just breaks my heart to see her choose salty foods that I know are a big part of the problem. I guess it's like confronting anyone with an 'issue' (can't and won't define it as an addiction.. that's not fair, when I don't know the full picture). People sometimes understand or accept if someone speaks to them lovingly about nicotine, alcohol, drugs etc.. but when it comes to food it gets really personal, which, I totally understand.
    I love her to bits and want to help.
    Any advice?
    How do you know it's sodium causing the health issue?

    A.C.E. Certified Personal Trainer/Group Fitness Instructor
    IDEA Fitness member
    Kickboxing Certified Instructor
    Been in fitness for 28+ years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
  • Jersey_Devil
    Jersey_Devil Posts: 4,142 Member
    if she's your friend, then just say it straight up. it doesn't sound offensive at all. sounds like something a friend would say to a friend.
  • tinamina78
    tinamina78 Posts: 241 Member
    Honesty is the best policy. Approach it from the "I love you so much" angle like you said here. I would kind of have a "speech" in mind and maybe schedule a time to sit down with her. Lay it out as best you feel you can and let her react. Tell her how much better you feel or how you worry about losing her... however you say it, make sure she knows you're just worried about her. I wouldn't bring it up multiple times, though. Just the one time. And then, just lead by example. Best of luck! :flowerforyou:
  • tsh0ck
    tsh0ck Posts: 1,970 Member
    echoing ... how do you know sodium is any kind of problem for her?
  • opus649
    opus649 Posts: 633 Member
    It depends on the level of your friendship. If you're truly close friends, then expressing concern over her health shouldn't upset her. If it does, well.... perhaps you are not really close friends after all.
  • kyle4jem
    kyle4jem Posts: 1,400 Member
    Has your friend confided in you that she's been advised by her physician to reduce her sodium intake? Has she asked for your advice?

    If there is NO to either question, then I wouldn't feel it's my place to offer advice as it might come over as pious and preachy.

    Sodium is not an enemy... it's an essential nutrient and for the most part, we don't have a problem with it per say.

    I love my salty foods and I can't eat salad leaves, cucumber, raw tomatoes without salt. I have no issues pertaining to my sodium intake and I would be mightily peeved if anyone were to comment on me adding salt to a meal.

    However, if your friend has asked for your help and advice, then help her understand how to limit her sodium intake, find alternatives and make sensible choices.
  • Pebble321
    Pebble321 Posts: 6,423 Member
    I think you have two choices:
    1. Be open with her about your concerns: "I really care about you and I'm worried that you're eating too much sodium and that might be hurting you". If she dismisses you or doesn't take it further, at least you've tried.
    2. Be there for support but keep your mouth shut. There is every chance that she's knows that she is making unhealthy choices and having someone point it out to her is probably not going to make her want to change.
  • janey1306
    janey1306 Posts: 83
    Has she asked you for your input? Honestly, if she hasn't, I wouldn't approach the subject. And how are you positive her health issues are due to sodium? If that is the case, I'm sure her doctor has brought it to her attention.

    totaly agree with this unsolicited advice is rarely welcome, if she wants some advice she will ask
  • BerryH
    BerryH Posts: 4,698 Member
    Relatively few people are salt-sensitive and issue like hypertension are more often down to heredity and other lifestyle issues such as being overweight and unfit.

    There is some good information here:
    http://nutritionovereasy.com/2011/03/is-salt-unfairly-demonized/

    "Who Needs to Worry About Sodium?

    About 10 to 25% of the general population are sodium sensitive; for these, people consuming too much sodium may increase their risk of cardiovascular disease and death, even if they have normal blood pressure. But in the context of a diet of mostly fresh foods, I think most people have little to fear from the salt shaker."
  • Cait_Sidhe
    Cait_Sidhe Posts: 3,150 Member
    So, I sooooo don't want to be one of those 'ex-junkfood-eaters'.. I really truly don't.
    Then don't. Unless you have absolute proof that sodium is causing health problems for your friend, I wouldn't go down that path. Like Berry said above, sodium is an essential electrolyte. Without it, we would go blind. Don't go all sanctimonial on your friend unless you are unequivicably correct.
  • Bahet
    Bahet Posts: 1,254 Member
    Is she mentally sub-par? If she's of average intelligence she is well aware that too much salt is not a good thing. Smokers don't need someone to tell them that smoking causes cancer. Heavy drinkers know that it damages their liver. People who eat a lot of salt and salty foods are already well aware that it can cause health problems. They don't need anyone to "inform" them.

    My dad used a lot of salt his entire life. A LOT of salt. When he was 69 he had a heart attack. Fortunately, he recovered. His doctor told him he has 2 choices - cut out the salt or make sure his will and final wishes are in order. He cut out the salt completely. They now use things like Mrs Dash's instead. For over 40 years my mom harped on him about his salt intake but it took having an actual negative consequence of it to get him to change his ways.

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