Reducing Salt Intake

[Maisie]

I have been having quite a few vertigo attacks lately, and I read that if you reduce your salt intake you can limit the frequency and severity of vertigo attacks.

I can obviously stop putting salt on food, and check the labels on things to make sure they are low. Problem is, I also read that your body needs some salt to function properly. How do I work out what could be useful salt?

Also, and I feel a bit silly asking this, can drinking water sort of counteract salt in your system?

Any advice would be gratefully received.

 

[angel_nieves]

Masie hope this helps.
Sodium plays a vital role in our health. Although no one knows for certain, scientists estimate the body requires 250 to 500 milligrams (mg) each day for basic physiologic functions. "We need salt to transport nutrients, transmit nerve impulses, and contract muscles, including your heart," says Anna Di Rienzo, Ph.D., associate professor of human genetics at the University of Chicago. But when sodium levels are too high, the kidneys release more water, increasing blood volume. With more blood flowing through the body, pressure increases. Over time, a sustained pressure increase causes the heart to work harder to pump blood and threatens the stability of blood vessels, which raises the risk of heart disease and stroke. By Peggy J Noonan

I helped lower my hubby's salt content by using seaweed that had been dried and crushed instead of sodium chloride (salt). Also do you eat allot of processed meals? Lots of processed items instant noodles, ready made meat, and bullion cubes have loads of salt in them. You in the UK aren’t you? There is a wonderful show called you are what you eat On the BBC. There are some great tips on cutting out salt and on whole just being healthier.

 

[Maisie]

Thank you for that Macie.

Is that the show with DR Gillian McKeith? I live in fear that she will turn up on my doorstep and go through my cupboards and make me strip so she can show the UK how fat I am!

 

[lyra]

We easily get the required amount of sodium daily, don't worry about that. Vegetables have sodium too. It's a great idea to drink more water, that would help with any bloating you might have. I have no idea about the vertigo issue though. That's an interesting correlation, I'll have to look into that. Sometimes low blood sugar can make one feel lightheaded and dizzy. Are you hypoglycemic maybe? Basically, eat as simple food as possible, limit any kind of processing other than what you do yourself. Eat 3 meals a day, 4 hours a part or so, and healthy snacks. That will keep your blood sugar more level and not add the low blood sugar component to your vertigo issue at least. Take care!

PS read your labels! There is sodium in everything.

 

[Maisie]

Thankyou Lyra. I was wondering if there was a link between my recent attacks and my blood sugar levels. I''ve lost my appetite lately, and have lost around 9lbs in about a month. My hubby and I had a few problems and its really put me off eating. Things feel a bit better now so hopefully I will be able to pick up again.

I think keeping my food as simple and natural as possible will be the best way forward. As nature intended

 

[angel_nieves]

Yes Maisie Dr Gillian McKeith, we love her. Also you might want to see your gp just in case. Lyra is right on the money about the hypoglycemic issue. I have dealt with episodes when I don’t watch my sugar close enough. When my sugar level gets into the 60' I feel dizzy lightheaded the works.

Sending you lots of hugs