Thread: Should salt be eliminated

I don't add salt to much of anything so from that standpoint, I think I get enough just in my regular diet. The only thing I eat that is "high sodium" would be soy sauce if I get sushi - and even then I use it sparingly & preferably "low sodium" because I don't like the taste of too much salt anyway. I dont' think you need to get hung up about - if you're staying away from processed foods, then you're generally ok. You need some salt in your system to help your body keep balanced electrolytes.

Salt consumption should be eliminated in general, besides the naturally occurring sodium in foods.

Originally Posted by ArnoldsProtege

Salt consumption should be eliminated in general

Would you mind elaborating?

Everything is fine in portions I believe. Although most of my sodium is meats and green tea.
Read here- » Why is Sodium Bad for You?*on* Journal of Healthy Living

In healthy individuals, sodium intake isn't an issue -- one's body (kidneys) can handle it. The article that ceazur posted mentions a list of diseases --- high sodium intake alone will not cause those diseases. Rather, high sodium intake in conjunction with a pre-existing disease state may result in a more severe incident.

For instance, an individual with sub-optimal function kidneys will be unable to maintain sodium homeostasis. That individual takes in 'excess' sodium will invariably become over/dehydrated and, at some point, will be hypertensive. Also, excess intake of other salts (think: potassium) can lead to cardiac arrhythmias and ultimately heart attacks etc.

However, a disease state needs to be present in order for sodium intake issues to become a problem. If one is healthy, there's nothing to worry about. Additionally, a liberal sodium intake will help keep your muscles hydrated --- that's a good thing.

I eat a lof of bananas 3-4 a day sometimes up to 5 and they are loaded with Potasium, does that mean I am at risk of cardiac arrhythmias and ultimately heart attacks?

not unless you have dysfunctional kidneys

I don't know about disfunctioning kidneys but I do get up twince a night and urinate long streams, that didn't used to happen till I started working out and drinking 64 oz of water plus coffee and other drinks each day. It gets annoying to have to wake up but I feel a hell of a lot healthier now than I did 5 months ago when I was barely drinking 24 oz of liquids a day. I remember I used to have a tight feeling everytime I urinated but now that is all gone and the flow is great.

In your specific case, try keeping the bulk of your fluid intake outside of the evening hours --- you want your sleep to be uninterrupted.

Ahh ok, that makes sense, so it does not matter that I focus all my water intake before 3 pm? I thought I had to spread out through out the 24 hours.. hmm

it's not worth sacrificing continuous sleep over.