I cant think of another word in the nutrition world that brings more fear to folks as SALT! Ive been backstage of events and some of the athletes are cramping up, so the most common answer is your lacking potassium....eat a banana. When usually its the sodium that's missing, as you need a 1 to 2 ratio (salt to potassium) to keep your electrolytes balanced. So don't fear the sodium and like everything I've talked about in these blogs, lets use it as your ally not foe. So lets do a little NACL 101 lesson A) Salt is needed in health and your body doesn't make it, but your cells need it to function. As stated, its an electrolyte which is a mineral that aides in maintain muscle function and hydration, plus it helps hold fluids in your blood. Now you lose sodium through sweat and urine, so you need to replace it.... approx 1/2 teaspoon per day. B) Blood Pressure; sodium will make your blood hold more water so your heart has to pump/work harder thus making your blood pressure higher, so it goes without saying you need to watch the intake. But also remember, that being overweight also boosts your blood pressure (exercise anyone?).... keep the weight off and sweat/drink more water during training, win/win!
C) Your body is constantly balancing the sodium on the outside of each cell and the potassium on the inside. Its been proven that an increase in potassium can lower blood pressure but with the North American supersalty processed meals you don't stand a chance even if you eat a lot of the humans main source of potassium....fruits and vegetables. D) So with that info you would think to cut back on all forms of sodium, but we can be smart about it as actually a whopping 75+% of our salt in the average diet comes from processed and restaurant food, so at home why not try kosher salt for cooking and sea salt for seasoning, and a bonus....both are free of additives! So as you can see, salt is needed so have this misunderstood mineral in your corner with your fight for a healthy lifestyle.
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