Most people have a love-hate relationship with saltaka sodium.
It tastes great, and sodium is needed to help our bodies function properly.
But it has several other uses that can contribute to your overall health.
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Sodium is necessary for our nerves to work efficiently and our muscles to properly contract and relax.
It’s also an essential nutrient for regulating fluid and electrolyte balance in the body.
How Much Sodium Should You Eat?
Sodium is naturally present in certain foods, such as milk, celery and beets.
Most of the salt we eat tends to come from store-bought foods and foods prepared at restaurants.
Salt is added to foods for flavor and, in some cases, for preservation.
Unfortunately, the majority of adults eat more than 3,400 mg of sodium each day.
Drink More Water
Hydration is extremely important.
Consuming sufficient water can help your body remove excess sodium from your body.
Increase Your Potassium Intake
Potassium plays a vital role in maintaining fluid balance.
There can be too much of a good thing, though.
As you age, your body has a harder time removing potassium from your blood.
It’s also a mineral to keep an eye on for people with kidney disease.
Exercising causes your body to shed a combination of water and salt through sweating.
However,it’s possible for you to drink too much waterduring exercise.
Hyponatremia is rare, but it is something that marathoners and athletes should be aware of.
Hyponatremia means your blood sodium is too lowthis can occur if you drink too much water.
Cooking more at home also gives you more control over how much salt to add to your foods.
it’s possible for you to also use herbs and spices to add extra flavor without increasing sodium.
Browse our collection ofhealthy low-sodium recipesfor meal inspirations.
