Sodium

2»

Replies

  • VMarkV
    VMarkV Posts: 522 Member
    Your weight and age is the major factor, seriously sodium intake above what is recommended contributes to about a 2mmHg increase whereas losing every 10lbs contributes 14mmHg decrease
    Stop blaming sodium for high blood pressure

    My BP was 130/85 when I weighed 185lbs, down to 106/68 at 167 lbs, I ate the same amount of salt at both weights
  • B_Running
    B_Running Posts: 158
    <---Pharmacy student/chemist/science dork/anatomy physiology dork

    Would you happen to know anything about the calcium/magnesium relationship? I was checking out the supplements at Vitamin Shoppe not too long ago and one of the sales associates (possibly the manager on shift) lectured me for 45 minutes on how Americans consume too much calcium and not nearly enough magnesium (stating how a significant number of food & beverages are fortified with calcium). She went on about how too much calcium is bad for the heart and we need to get more magnesium to "balance it out." Anyway, I've never heard anything like this before, but it was interesting and I was wondering if you (or anyone else) could elaborate on this. Thanks!
  • cydonian
    cydonian Posts: 361 Member
    I don't really care whether it's good or bad for you, or whether the person is doing it on a consistent basis... MY concern is that anytime I see someone consistently going over on sodium, they are usually eating absolute junk all the time. Fast food, processed food, lots of boxed stuff, as those items are so high in sodium. I'm a believer of junk in moderation (I just had a teeny slice of cheesecake, so I speak with fresh experience!) but sometimes I look at peoples' diaries and want to gag. It DOES make you retain water though, so if for nothing else... lay off the sodium before an event or photos being taken.
  • Blizz970
    Blizz970 Posts: 4
    It is partially hereditary. My mom and dad both have high blood pressure. When I was in my 20's and joined the army, I was jogging every other day, and practicing karate 3-4 times a week. I was in great shape and only weighed 180lbs. Imagine my surprise when the doctor doing my physical said, your blood pressure is a little high (140/80). I didn't think much of it then.

    Then I got married and put on 60 pounds (she's a great cook). I went to a physical and the doctor was going to put me in the hospital (206/102). I started on blood pressure medication and began to exercise without changing my diet. I dropped 20 lbs but my blood pressure remained high, unless I take my meds.

    I've have 3 different doctors and they only prescribe meds. Not one has ever asked about my diet or exercise. I think they only want to push blood pressure medication, not really help.

    Now that I see how much sodium I'm taking in, I can reduce it and see if it helps my blood pressure. Plus, I'm still trying to dump another 40 lbs.

Categories