While eating too much salt can put us at risk, eating too little can also be deadly
We are constantly warned of the dangers of eating too much salt.
Some people face a greater danger...eating too little.
When it comes to salt, our immediate thoughts are often, "I shouldn't consume too much," "It causes high blood pressure," or "It is bad for my heart." In reality, salt is indispensable for our life functions.
As an essential nutrient in the human body, sodium regulates the balance of fluids and electrolytes, keeping blood pressure within a healthy range. Sodium is also responsible for the transmission of signals in muscle and nerve cells. It also allows our muscles to contract when we need them to contract and relax when we need them to relax.
Our heart and our lungs are muscles.
Who Is Prone to Salt Deficiency?
With more people staying at home, and wanting to eat 'healthier' these days, there’s opportunity to prepare homemade meals. Although home cooked meals tend to be much lower in salt than what you’d get from a restaurant, you still need to be careful. I encourage women to eat between 375mg - 450mg of sodium (salt) per meal. Men between 450mg - 500mg per meal.
Common Signs of Salt Deficiency...
Fatigue, Muscle Weakness, and Cramps
Brief Dizziness When Getting UP
Headaches, Forgetfulness, and Mental Confusion
Depression and Stress
A constant craving for food, especially sweets, could also be a sign of a salt deficiency.
A lack of salt activates the dopamine reward center in our brain causing us to seek out salt. However, this can also lead to an excessive consumption of processed foods to obtain that salt, inadvertently resulting in the intake of other addictive substances, such as sugar.
Best to track your sodium intake in each meal, and or day.
Sure it takes time and effort but the trade off is worth it, wouldn't you agree?
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