Salt! And everythingggg you think you know about it, but probably don't!

When many people hear the word salt (sodium), they immediately relate it to being unhealthy, heart disease or "thats bad for you!" Turns out, you probably have the wrong idea about salt, your friend definitely has no clue what they are talking about and a lot of Dr.'s don't get properly trained about salt because nutrition is minimal in their studies. Salt is real good. And real important for us. Let's talk about it below.

Salt has many functions that a lot of people don't know about. For one, OUR BODIES NEED SALT in order to function properly. Salt is definitely on the more important side when it comes to having your body function optimally. Here's some other benefits of salt:

• Essential for hydration, performance and recovery. 
• Regulates fluid balance + helps blood flow.
• Maintains blood pressure.
• Conducts nerve impulses in the brain and helps nervous system functions.
• Transportation of nutrients through the gut. 

See, salt does a lot of good that we don't even know about! Here are some common side effects of having low sodium levels:

• Brain fog + lethargy.
• Irritability + weakness.
• Muscle cramps + headaches.
• Basically you feel like shit.

Many people feel the above all day, everyday. And they attribute it to work, stress, not drinking enough water, etc. When in reality, it could be something as simple as your sodium levels are low and you need to add some extra salt to your daily supplementation. 

I take in anywhere from 3,000-4,000mg of salt per day (especially if I'm playing Pickleball that day!) Oh I know what you're thinking..."you're young, you workout a lot, you're healthy, blah, blah, blah". While all of those are true, thats the sweet spot for salt intake in MOST people. But, many like to listen to resources that aren't too reliable these days and don't research things for themselves.

The more you sweat. The more sodium YOU NEED to intake. The more alcohol you drink, the more sodium YOU NEED to intake. Some people sweat instantly when they begin to exercise, usually those types of people would benefit from more sodium in their daily nutrition. Many athletes who play full competition games/matches need to intake even more on game days. 

What do you think are in those IV bags at hospitals? Its not just water in there! Theres a lot of sodium as well as other minerals our bodies need to be properly hydrated. 

Bottom line. Salt is extremely important. Don't demonize it. Don't cut it out completely. And don't listen to your friends who know absolutely nothing about it. Here's some articles below to get you more intelligent about the importance of salt! 

The dehydrated Mom!

Salt is your best friend

Is Sodium good for you?