Thread: How much salt?

i dnt see how salt makes you gain body fat. Body fat results from consuming more too many cals. I dnt know if low salt intake is causing the cramps (~RDA is bout 8g/day i think) i would probably go and see a doctor about it.

If your drinking enough water you really shouldnt have to worry to much about your salt intake. I would imagine that you are getting more than 800mg a day from your food anyway most meat and fish has more than 800mg per 100g.

800 mg a day of salt is very little. athletes can easily consume 2-5 grams a day depending on there size and level of activity...

(~RDA is bout 8g/day i think)

actually it is 2400mg..2.4g/day rather. this however is for a sedetary person.. BUT for an athlete who looses a significant amoung from sweat, the needs are much higher. up to 1000mg per liter of water consumed.

If you find that your cramping up, then its a good sign of electrolyte and mineral imbalances. Not enough sodium or potassium could both be a cause. 800mg is quite low. In your case I would assume that your suffering from hyponatremia- low sodium levels. Sodium is an important mineral that sends signals from nerves to muscles(ie movement). A deficiency can cause muscles to be "irritable" .. in other words, cramp.

As long as you are drinking adequate water, there is no need to worry about the sodium that naturally occurs in foods such as cottage cheese, fish, salsas, mustards, etc.

Make sure you stay WELL hydrated too.