Why is sodium bad for you?

Question

I went to the doctor 1 week ago and my blood pressure was kind of high. I believe it was 140 over 90. Anyways the doctor said stay away from alot of sodium. Why is sodium bad for you and is there alternative salt or other ways to stay away from too much sodium? I've seen some products that advertise like salt but have lower sodium. Are these okay to use?

Answer 1

Why Should I Limit Sodium?

Salt is sodium chloride. Sodium is an
element that’s needed for good health. You
must have a certain balance of sodium and
water in your body at all times. Too much
salt or too much water in your system will
upset the balance. When you’re healthy,
your kidneys get rid of extra sodium to keep
the correct balance of sodium and water

The body uses sodium to regulate blood pressure and blood volume. Sodium is also critical for the functioning of muscles and nerves.


In some people, too much sodium leads to
or aggravates high blood pressure. Having
less sodium in your diet may help you avoid
high blood pressure. People with high blood
pressure are more likely to develop heart
disease and stroke.

What’s bad about sodium?

• The average American eats about 6 to 18
grams of salt daily (1 to 3 teaspoonfuls).
• Your doctor may tell you to cut salt out
completely.
• Your body needs only about 1⁄2 gram of
salt (less than 1⁄3 tsp.) or 500 mg of sodium
each day

In some people, too much sodium leads to
or aggravates high blood pressure. Having
less sodium in your diet may help you


What are the sources of sodium?

Most of the sodium in our diet come from adding it when food is being prepared.
Pay attention to food labels, because they tell howmuch sodium is in food products.


Here’s a list of sodium compounds to limit in your diet:
• Salt
• Monosodium glutamate (MSG)
• Baking soda
• Baking powder
• Disodium phosphate
• Any compound that has “sodium” in its
name
*Sodium in softened water from water softeners.


What foods should I limit?

Salted snacks
• Fish that’s frozen, pre-breaded, pre-fried
or smoked; also fish that’s canned in oil
or brine like tuna, sardines or shellfish
• Ham, bacon, corned beef, luncheon
meats, sausages and hot dogs
• Canned foods and juices
• Commercially made main dishes like hash,
meat pies and frozen dinners with more
than 700 mg of sodium per serving
• Cheeses and buttermilk
• Seasoned salts, meat tenderizers and MSG
• Ketchup, mayonnaise, sauces and salad
dressings


What else can I do ?

Avoid adding table salt to foods.
• Use salt substitutes (with your doctor’s
approval) or herbs and spices.
• Eat fresh lean meats, skinless poultry, fish,
egg whites and tuna canned in water.
• Choose unsalted nuts and low-sodium
peanut butter. Cook dried peas and beans.
• Use products made without added salt;
try low-sodium bouillon and soups and
unsalted, fat-free broth.
• Rinse canned vegetables, beans and
shellfish to reduce salt.

Sodium is also added to various food products. Some of these added forms are monosodium glutamate, sodium nitrite, sodium saccharin, baking soda (sodium bicarbonate), and sodium benzoate. These are ingredients in condiments and seasonings such as Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, onion salt, garlic salt, and bouillon cubes.


Processed meats, such as bacon, sausage, and ham, and canned soups and vegetables are all examples of foods that contain added sodium. Fast foods are generally very high in sodium


You have to limit sodium intake for a person with CAD (coronary artery disease). It can cause edema, swelling of extremities or the retention of water.There is a build-up of fluids. In dialysis pt, sodium intake is also prohibited. And in persons with hypertension; too much sodium will further raise the blood pressure and increase the risk for a stroke.

Sodium may lead to a serious build-up of fluid in persons with congestive heart failure, cirrhosis, or kidney disease. Such patients should be on a strict sodium-restricted diet, as prescribed by their doctor.




There's a salt substitute called Morton. I on't use any salt at all when I cook. I rely a lot on herbs and spices. Although, occasionally I use garlic salt.

Answer 2

Sodium retains fluid, which makes your blood pressure go up. The rest od your questions concerning salt substitutes can best be answered by your doctor.

Answer 3

It isn't, at least not for everyone. It is bad for those who suffer from high blood pressure because it tends to elevate it.