Does sodium really matter in weight loss?

Lets say I eat a reletively high level of sodium, but I eat exactly the same amount of sodium everyday, while eating at my 1200 calorie goal, and meeting my exercise goals. Is the sodium really going to hold back my weight loss? I understand I could get a one time loss by cutting sodium, but wouldn't those pounds just come back the first time I go back to my old sodium levels?

Replies

  • poodlelaise
    poodlelaise Posts: 149 Member
    bump
  • sid719e
    sid719e Posts: 47
    The only way to know if it will affect YOU is to try it and see. Cut your sodium and see how if affects your weight loss. If you're happy with the results, don't go back to your old sodium levels.
  • Mercenary1914
    Mercenary1914 Posts: 1,087 Member
    Sodium absorbs water...When you decrease your sodium intake it will allow your kidneys to get rid of excess sodium and water weight.

    also too much sodium puts a lot of work on your kidneys and make the overwork
  • neanderthin
    neanderthin Posts: 10,224 Member
    Your water weight will fluctuate throughout your weight loss endevour, it's something that's isn't static, so don't worry about it.
  • Jeff92se
    Jeff92se Posts: 3,369 Member
    It's just water weight. Once you cut the sodium, you'll lose a few lbs but you'd have to continue to go low sodium to maintain that loss
  • Tara4boys
    Tara4boys Posts: 515 Member
    I have wanted to post this same thing.

    Yes, I get if I consume more sodium than normal, my body will retain water, which has considerable weight, and scale number will increase. However, it shouldn't affect body fat loss. So even if you remain at a high sodium (and water retention) level, your total body weight should continue to decrease since you are losing fat (and some muscle) by eating a calorie restricted diet.
  • Mercenary1914
    Mercenary1914 Posts: 1,087 Member
    ,,,n
  • UponThisRock
    UponThisRock Posts: 4,519 Member
    Fluctuating sodium intake can potentially cause water retention. It has nothing to do with fat loss.
  • 714rah714
    714rah714 Posts: 759 Member
    It doesn't matter for weight loss, where it does matter is your blood pressure.
  • ObjectiveR
    ObjectiveR Posts: 3
    Along these same lines if sodium intake is high is it pretty much countered if you drink a ton of water each day?
  • UponThisRock
    UponThisRock Posts: 4,519 Member
    Along these same lines if sodium intake is high is it pretty much countered if you drink a ton of water each day?

    no
  • iysys
    iysys Posts: 524
    sodium does affect heart disease and as the number one killer of women in the us that should be enough reason.
  • poodlelaise
    poodlelaise Posts: 149 Member
    Is this correct? I thought that it raised blood pressure in some people. If you have low blood pressure which does not seem to be affected by sodium, is it still a factor for heart disease?
  • neanderthin
    neanderthin Posts: 10,224 Member
    Is this correct? I thought that it raised blood pressure in some people. If you have low blood pressure which does not seem to be affected by sodium, is it still a factor for heart disease?
    Not really. If someone has an existing bllod pressure problem, then consuming less helps, but it doesn't cause high blood pressure. As far as a factor for heart disease, again, it would be in a long list that can contribute, but not on it's own. Heart disease is generally caused by a cluster of symptoms working in a synergistic and chronic way which can lead to heard disease. lack of exercise can be a symptom that can lead to heart disease, but it doesn't mean that if you don't exercise your going to get heart disease.
  • VMarkV
    VMarkV Posts: 522 Member
    Consistent sodium intake does not increase BP...kidneys compensate for how much salt you intake on a regular basis. Going way over your usual daily sodium intake, your kidneys won't be able to clear that amount, some salt does not get cleared, water always follows salt, water is retained with the unfiltered excess salt, blood volume increases, blood pressure increases.

    Don't worry about anything as long as you are consistent with salt intake
    Salt is a craving just as hunger for fat, protein, and carbohydrate. Even wild animals crave salt
    Consistent salt intake has no effect on body composition