Does salt make you gain weight, if so how...?

Question

I am a salt addict. I am on a diet right now, and just can't seem to cut out the salt. I also used to drink regular cokes all day, but once I discovered how much weight I was gaining..I went to diet which I used to hate. It was worth it. NOW, can someone who really knows. Does salt make you gain weight, how badly, is there a substitute salt that can be used...

Answer 1

Salt makes you hold your water, and gives you high cholesterol and high blood pressure....go to the spices section in the grocery store and there is something there that says salt substitute, i forget what it is called though, but yes they do have it.

Answer 2

It can't make you fat but it can mean that your body keeps more water in it to dilute the salt (in a healthy body salt needs to be at a very precise dilution in your blood and cells). When you take in too much salt in your diet you will get thirsty and drink more. To dilute the excess salt your body will hold in the fluid longer. The weight you gain will be purely fluid and if you cut down the salt the water will balance out and the weight will come off.
Beware though, excess salt intake can cause other health problems too and its not a great move to take in large amounts over a long period of time. If you are otherwise fit and healthy why not try low salt (potassium salt) instead of sodium salt, but do not try this is you have any heart problems as potassium salt can aggravate that.

Answer 3

Salt can make you gain weight through water retention, water weight gain.
Substitutes, (provided you are not allergic), MSG, Kosher Salt which is not as strong and herb seasonings such as Mrs. Dash. I had a similar problem and now after adjusting, I prefer the herbs.
Look at the ingredients on the products you purchase, you really don't need to add salt, there is enough already. Salt is a flavor enhancer and not a necessity.

Answer 4

Salt makes you retain water. So, yes, you gain weight if you are consuming large amounts of salt, but it's water weight. This happens because your body is trying to stay in an isotonic state, so if you have a high concentration of solutes (salt, in this case), in your system, your body will retain water to try and dilute it. Although, if you're comparing coke vs. diet coke, I think it's the calories more than the salt that would make you gain/lose weight.

Answer 5

Salt causes your cells to take on more water. The extra water adds weight. Salt is also bad for your fluid system. Check out www.pleasoning.com

They make a variety of items that can greatly reduce your salt intake. I highly recommend Frank's Blend and Steak n' Game. They add some great flavor with a huge cut in salt.

Made in LaCrosse, WI for years and a well kept secret.

Answer 6

Yes, salt is supposed to retain water. That's why people needing to diet are advised to take salt-free foods----so out there in the market there are unsalted butter, unsalted bread, unsalted peanuts, etc. You are the master of your body. If you feel that you need salt and can't survive a day without it, then, listen to your body. Perhaps you really lack salt, that's why you have a craving for it. Why don't you go and see a salt doctor. Yes, there is such an expert! He/she will measure you up I guess, as to the level of salt you already have, or need. Enjoy!

Answer 7

It makes you retain water so you gain water weight which makes you puffier than you normally may be.

Drink lots of water if you do take in lots of salt and watch your blood pressure too depending on how much you eat.

Herbs and spices are a great substitute for salt.

Answer 8

Salt causes you to gain weight by retaining water. The more water you retain, the higher the scale reads. Try flavouring your food with something like lemon pepper. Tasty and low in salt.

Watch the diet pop too, the aspartame levels in diet pop are very high and many studies have shown a correlation between aspartame and many diseases/disorders.

Answer 9

salt can make you gain weight by retaining water. There are salt substitutes, you can find them in the spice isle right beside the real salt.

Answer 10

Salt will make you swell. Like water weight. Its very bad for you and when you get older itll cause problems for your heart.

I never use salt on my cooking, I use Natures Seasoning. It has salt in it. You arnt getting near the salt like you are with staight salt.