Salt Intake

[morgan]

I was reading an article the other day that people on low carb lifestyles suffer more from the lack of salt in their diets due to not eating as much processed foods.  This can lead to more headaches, fatigue and cramps.  They not suggesting that you run off and have tablespoons of the stuff, but to just remember to shake the salt container and not be afraid of the stuff. 

I gave thought to that fact because my daughter (and her husband are both very health conscious) eat very little processed food and she has followed me in not using much when cooking - suffers constantly from headaches.  I suggested this to her and awaiting to see what happens - if the salt helps.

Does anyone else notice the lack of salt?

[Andrea]

This is a really interesting question because there is a general belief that salt is bad so the notion of not enough salt is intriguing.  My internet search (there is actually a salt website, who knew) found a minimum daily requirement (healthy adult) of 500mg.  That is about 1/2 a teaspoon.  If you have healthy kidneys, they will get rid of the excess. 

I'd say that if you suspect a salt deficiency, get out the salt shaker and up the intake.

[umpa]

I eat alot of salt.In florida this time of year its 90 degrees at 7 am ! Your daughters headaches could very easily be caused by not enough sodium

[Kim P]

Just make sure it's not cheap table salt.  Use a good one like Redmond's Real Salt.

[Doug Varrieur]

Morgan, what was the result of your daughters salt increase?

[mouseissue]

Just make sure it's not cheap table salt.  Use a good one like Redmond's Real Salt.

That right, Kim!... We use sea salt around here and love it!
The cheap stuff tastes gross to us.

[suzanneT]

My teenager was hospitalized in the beginning of May from passing out. Part of her problem, low sodium. We use Sea Salt here and encourage her eat a bit more salt or drink a sports drink like Gatoraide every day. This is what the Dietician reccomended.

[morgan]

Morgan, what was the result of your daughters salt increase?

Would you believe since I told her about it she hasn't had one.  Unbelievable

[umpa]

We use Kosher salt in a grinder. Sometimes you gotta just make the kids aware.

[Andrea]

There is a lot of chatter out there that says salt is bad right next to the high carb, low fat misinformation.  It's summer and hot (well, not for Morgan but for the rest of us) and if you sweat, you need to replace that salt.

[umpa]

That is correct Andrea. Unless you have fluid retention issues,the doctors are now okaying the salt