Why do people suggest ingesting salt when you sweat a lot?

Member

HI

,

I exercize quit a bit on some weekends, sometimes 6-7 hours a day. Lately it has been very hot (Brunswick, GA) and various people have been telling me to take in a lot of salt.

Is that good for me?

I understand about potassium in bananas, gatorade for electrolytes...etc...

But, why add salt? and how much?

thanks,
Kelly

Member

Exercising in hot, humid conditions for long hours means losing a large amount of sweat. This can disturb sodium and water balance and adequate hydration and sodium intake are essential.

You can get enough water and sodium via sports drinks or food but not by adding kitchen salt to your foods.

Our body can tolerate a degree of sodium loss for a short period of time, but it may decompensate if this continues for too long.

Minor symptoms such as nausea and mild muscle cramps may occur and they can be treated by eating salty foods and hydrating with a sodium containing sports drink.

Here is a following list of some drinks and foods rich with sodium:

Gatorade
Exceed
Baked Tostitos
SnackWell's
Wheat crackers
Sourdough pretzels
Baked Rold Gold
Hard Sourdough pretzels
Mr. Salty pretzels

Member

yeah, i agree adding kitchen salt is not solution.

Why do people suggest ingesting salt when you sweat a lot?

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