Sodium
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- Q What is sodium used for?
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Electrolyte imbalanceEvidence suggests that sodium chloride, sodium acetate, and sodium bicarbonate may be taken by mouth or injected into the veins to treat electrolyte imbalances caused by dehydration, excess sweating, or dangerously high sugar levels... Full Answer
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- Q How can eating too much salt or sodium harm my health?
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One of the triggers of heart disease and stroke is high blood pressure, or hypertension. Eating too much sodium raises blood pressure -- to some degree in most people and to a larger degree in sodium-sensitive people. The U.S. Department of... Full Answer
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- Q Why is high sodium a health risk?
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Dr. Mehmet Oz, CardiologyEighty percent of our sodium intake comes from processed and canned foods. In fact, many canned foods are so chock-full of salt, they contain half or more of your daily recommended intake. A diet high in sodium is dangerous since it can lead to high... Full Answer
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- Q Should I take salt tablets?
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Do not take salt tablets unless directed by your doctor. Heavy sweating removes salt and other electrolytes from the body and they must be replaced. However, the easiest and safest way to do this is through your diet. Eating a meal with water or... Full Answer
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- Q Is salt really bad for me?
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Dr. Mehmet Oz, CardiologySalt is a big problem for those few people who are salt-sensitive. It's less of a problem for most of us, but still an unhealthy factor in our diets. The average person takes in 4000 mg of sodium a day. That raises blood pressure by 40/20 mm/Hg in some... Full Answer
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- Q How much sodium do I need to stay young?
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Dr. Michael Roizen, Internal MedicineMost reputable medical associations, including the U.S. Surgeon General's Office, the National Institutes of Health, the National Academy of Science's Research Council, and countless experts in the field, suggest that sodium intake should not exceed... Full Answer
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- Q How can lowering my salt intake benefit my heart health?
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Reducing salt intake should lower cardiovascular disease. Certainly, our contemporary diet rich in processed foods and fast foods contains much more salt than we require. For an individual the situation is more nuanced. Some people tolerate high... Full Answer
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- Q How do I keep my sodium (salt) intake low?
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To meet your sodium target, here's what you need to do. Eat a heart-healthy diet with few processed foods. Be aware that nearly all the foods you eat contain a little bit of sodium. Examine food labels closely, and keep track of your sodium... Full Answer
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- Q How can I reduce salt in my diet?
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Dr. Mehmet Oz, CardiologyDiets high in salt are linked to higher blood pressure. To keep your blood pressure under control, eliminate hidden salt traps from your diet. Excess sodium can often come from surprising sources -- the CDC’s newest findings reveal bread as... Full Answer
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- Q Does the salt in food affect the total number of calories?
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Salt does not affect the total number of calories. In fact, salt has no calories at all. Consuming high amounts of salt can result in temporary weight gain because it causes your body to retain water. Full Answer
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