6 Cases In Which You Need To Consume More Salt

Table of contents:

Video: 6 Cases In Which You Need To Consume More Salt

Video: 6 Cases In Which You Need To Consume More Salt
Video: 9 Signs You're Eating Too Much Salt 2024, December
6 Cases In Which You Need To Consume More Salt
6 Cases In Which You Need To Consume More Salt
Anonim

Some medical conditions actually require more sodium. Let's clarify one thing from the beginning - few of us are worried when it comes to taking more salt (sodium).

Most people consume adequate amounts of sodium, if not greater than the current recommendation of 2,300 milligrams per day, says Dr. Joy Dubois, a nutritionist and registered nutritionist.

The usual modern diet today is known for its rich salt content. But if you stick to a more rational and balanced diet, you are unlikely to take an excessive amount of salt a day.

However, if any of the conditions described below apply to you, or if you think you have increased your salt intake for any other reason, first, carefully monitor your sodium intake for a week or two.

Also, carefully check the labels of foods for sodium content to calculate the amount you take daily.

Finally and most importantly - consult your doctor before radically changing your diet and the salt it contains.

And when might it be better to consume more salt? Here are six cases in which the salt shaker should not scare you.

1. Participate in a race as an intensive marathon

6 cases in which you need to consume more salt
6 cases in which you need to consume more salt

Athletes who engage in intense exercise for long periods of time - an hour or more - sometimes need a boost of sodium, says Dubost. Hyponatremia, which is a drop of sodium in the blood, can occur, leading to dizziness, confusion, weakness and even death, she explains. Although not uncommon, hyponatremia can occur when people sweat profusely during exercise and drink plenty of water to rehydrate, but do not regain the amount of sodium lost through sweating in the body that they need to maintain of important functions. If you have just finished a grueling workout, eating some salty foods can help your body recover.

2. You live in a place with a hot, dirty climate

6 cases in which you need to consume more salt
6 cases in which you need to consume more salt

Once again, excessive sweating can lead to a drop in sodium levels in the body, says Dubost. As with heavy exercise, excessive sweating can in some cases lead to hyponatremia, she explains. If the weather conditions make you sweat profusely and experience headaches or severe thirst, sprinkle a little salt on what you eat and you can relieve your symptoms.

3. You have this disease

6 cases in which you need to consume more salt
6 cases in which you need to consume more salt

Soft-loss nephropathy is a form of kidney disease that makes it difficult for your body to maintain adequate sodium levels, says Lawrence Appel, a spokesman for the American Heart Association and a professor of medicine at Johns Hopkins University's medical institutes. People with this condition lose excess sodium in their urine and must make a conscious effort to maintain their sodium levels, he explains. If not, the result may again be hyponatremia, which can lead to symptoms such as dizziness, headache, weakness or fatigue.

4. If you are taking diuretics

6 cases in which you need to consume more salt
6 cases in which you need to consume more salt

Several diuretic medications in particular can cause a mineral imbalance in your body by increasing the amount of your urine, says Dubost. While it is true that diuretics are often prescribed to people with hypertension and it is also true that taking too much salt can be risky for those with elevated BP levels, there may be cases where someone taking diuretics should consume extra sodium.

5. If you are older and your thoughts are confused

6 cases in which you need to consume more salt
6 cases in which you need to consume more salt

Older people, especially those over the age of 80, can significantly improve their brain function by increasing salt intake, according to a study published earlier this year in the journal Nutrition, Health and Aging. The research team found that compared to adults who consumed less sodium, those who consumed moderate amounts of sodium performed better in some tests to measure brain function. It is important to note that this study is preparatory. So, while it is possible for a little extra sodium to improve the functioning of your brain, do not indulge in excessive addition of salt to your diet until you consult your doctor.

6. If you suffer from this rare syndrome

6 cases in which you need to consume more salt
6 cases in which you need to consume more salt

Groups of conditions, collectively known as Bartter's syndrome, can affect the kidneys' ability to process the salt you consume. In general, too much sodium is excreted in your urine and not enough is absorbed into your body, says Adele. The condition is rare and is due to genetic abnormalities. Symptoms of the syndrome include everything from vomiting and excessive thirst to a strong desire for salty foods. Again, it is important to talk to your doctor before increasing your salt intake.

Recommended: