Hello friends!
Hope you had an awesome week. I am back with another tip. Today, we will talk about sodium. And I will change your perspective with the information I have.
Sodium is a core part of our diet. Most of us consume it through salt in our meals. Some of us also get it through energy and hydration drinks.
However high salt intake is linked with an increased risk of heart disease. WHO recommends that you restrict your sodium intake to around 2000 to 2400 mg per day. And some of my clients often wonder if they need to cut down their sodium consumption.
Here’s the Truth
A study by the National Academy of Medicine suggests that the relationship between sodium intake and health is more complex than previously thought. We don’t have enough evidence to support the idea that restricting sodium intake to below 2300 mg per day can have benefits or risks related to cardiovascular disease.
It is true that high sodium intake can lead to heart disease. But that happens when you consume more than 6 grams of sodium per day. Taking 3 to 6 grams per day of sodium may have no real health-related threats. And an average American’s daily sodium consumption falls within this range.
Going below 3 grams per day with your sodium consumption might be dangerous though.
One Tip, One Week, One Change
You lose a lot of sodium when you workout intensively. Low sodium blood levels can lead to hyponatremia, which can be fatal. Sports drinks like Gatorade are far too dilute to help increase sodium levels. Therefore, try maintaining healthy sodium levels by salting your meals and taking sodium-based fluids before and after working out.
However, if you have high blood pressure, heart disease, or other cardiovascular conditions, it’s crucial to follow your healthcare provider’s advice regarding sodium intake.
This is all for today. I will see you next week with another tip. Until then, stay fit, stay healthy, and stay informed.
P.S. Want more science-backed tips like this one? You can read more here.