low sodium

[joko]

I eat very little salt (well at least i NEVER add it to anything) - and i know it is in lots of foods anyway

thing is, i feel much more alert and generally better if i have, say, an enos or an alka seltzer, or even just bicarb - but not because of the pain killing or soothing effects.

is there such thing as having naturally low sodium and therefore taking some will make you feel much better?

is this a symptom of somthing else? or am i imagining things and it just a coincidence?

I also generally have fairly low blood pressure.

many thanks

[dotjhawkes]

no joko, it's because the alcohol level in your blood is dispersed by the alka seltzer (for God sakes don't fizz) in a morning, and so u are able to function normally.

[joko]

i meant when i take it normally - not for a hangover

[Goodsoulette]

Might be worth going to your doctor to have a blood test to see if your sodium levels are low. There are low sodium disorders and this is known as Hyponatremia. Things that could cause this are kidney malfunctions, or bowel problems. If you have a low sodium diet then ur body will regulate itself by increasing absorption thru the bowels or producing less urine so passing less thru ur system.

Obviously therefore cures are either(and really go to a doctor first before doing these)

1. less fluid, so as not to dilute ur salts


2. increase mineral consumption (such as through electrolyte powders

Hope this helps x

[qapmoc]

Joko, you might have a problem with your thyroid system, I have. All my tests over years have always shown the three thyroid levels to be OK and yet I always tend to have the symptoms of low thyroid, included low blood pressure and I really need to keep my salt intake high as well or I get tired and listless and also start to get crampy feelings in various muscles.
Do you tend to get IBS symptoms and things like cold hands and feet easily?

[joko]

I do have quite bad IBS, I don't have problem with particularly cold hands - i do have other thyroid symptoms too but tests were clear - i have heard that this can happen even when there is a problem.

I think will have to start insisting the doctor take me seriously

i really don't like adding salt to anything - except celery! Not even chips! I use herbs mostly.

at least i know i am not imagining things

Thanks for your answers