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Comments For "Too Much or Too Little: Get the Right Amount of Salt for a Healthy Diet"
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10 Responses to “Too Much or Too Little: Get the Right Amount of Salt for a Healthy Diet”
  1. Jamie Saul Says:

    Ive been trying to lose some weight and would hate to have to give up flavor too. I guess I'm a little bitter thinking that I already have to cut certain foods from my diet. I'm going to give it a try though. Went out and bought low-sodium soy sauce and that's step 1. Bought some lemons too - Hard after all these years trying to relearn how to eat.

  2. Christine Salazar, RD Says:

    It is important to understand eating is like a balancing act: you cut out a little here and a little there, but if you cut out everything you will not be happy and you will go back to your old habits. Make small changes over time so you can live with the changes you have made. The problem for many is that they never have enjoyed the real flavor of foods, because they have been raised with the idea and taste buds that tell them that salty or fatty foods are the best foods. And, yes, salty and fatty foods taste good every once in awhile. But eating a healthy salad also tastes really good—and your body will thank you for it. Keep your chin up and live life with your health in mind. Keep an open mind.

  3. Anita Says:

    are lemons high in sodium

  4. Christine Salazar, RD Says:

    Fruit does not have a lot of natural sodium in it. A medium lemon contains about 1 mg of sodium.

  5. Luis Rafael Pereira Says:

    I have a question. I am a rather healthy 72 years young man. But lately I've been suffering from cramps in my legs just about every night. Talking to a friend he said that probably I eat too little salt, which is true. Now, can that be the cause of my cramps. What should I do to get rid of those cramps? They are very painul and are ruining my sleep. Thanks

  6. Janice Reinhart Says:

    Hi Christine:
    I was very interested in the article Too Much or Too Little: Get the Right Amount of Salt...
    My daughter (27 years old) has had Addison's Disease for 3 years. Early this year she went through a period of time where she was having odd feelings, feeling out of it, anxious, like she was going to faint....this article made me think that there might be a issue with her blood salt levels. By the time (weeks later) she got appointments to see her doctor and subsequent blood work, she was told her blood levels were okay.
    Would you please recommend what foods, drinks she could take that would increase her blood salt level.
    Thank you
    Janice Reinhart

  7. Christine Salazar, RD Says:

    The important thing to remember with Addison's is not to eat too much sugary or fatty foods. It is hard to say with your daughter exactly what could have caused those symptoms since I do not know all of her medical history. I can say that if the weather was really hot it is important for her to get at least 2 liters of water per day, more if she is having caffeinated beverages. It is important to get plenty of salt as well but avoid sports drinks due to the added potassium. Salty nuts are a good snack. Mediterranean-style cuisine is desirable for people with Addison's as fresh salads are made using olives, pickles and salty cheeses like feta. Try protein foods like tuna and anchovies that also provide a good protein source and vitamins and minerals. The key is to not overdo potassium and choose complex carbohydrates like whole grains. I hope this helps some.

    Christine Salazar R.D.

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