Sodium Consumption

For years we have thought that too much sodium in our system leads to increased blood preasure – a risk factor for heart disease, stroke and kidney disease.

However, several studies have shown that reducing sodium intake has no benefit in reducing heart disease or death. Reducing sodium does reduce blood pressure. Cutting back sodium to 3,500 mg will bring back your blood pressure from 120/80 to 118/79. Next to nothing!

In 2013, the Institute of medicine concluded there was insufficient evidence that following the U.S. recommended limit on sodium consumption improved hearth outcomes.

Your body needs sodium. It helps to regulate blood pressure and volume. It is necessary for proper nerve and muscle function.

For athletes that are highly active, sodium is a crucial electrolytes that helps maintain intracellular and extracellular fluids in the right balance. It also helps maintain electrical gradients across cell membranes, which is crucial for nerve transmission and muscle contraction.