Quote:
Originally Posted by OC_Mommy
I thought we are just supposed to add a maximum of 1/4 teaspoon salt on foods. Do I need a minimum of 1/4 or a maximum...?
Depends. If you are tracking food online then they nearly all have sodium trackers. The recommended daily value for sodium is +/- 2500.
As we are not taking in anywhere near that amount with IP products, it is necessary to raise it by "salting" food.
When we start IP most of us have been used to a sodium excess (prepackaged foods, fast food), so it can take time for the body to adjust to less sodium and this is why so many people have lightheadedness and dizziness in the first couple of weeks. Over time you can decrease the amount of salt, but always be aware that electrolyte balance is EXTREMELY important for good health. While our bodies are smart and can do a great job of balancing potassium and sodium (the two counter each other and have different functionality in the body) they cannot do it indefinitely.
Most of us are also increasing our water/fluid intake. Many people are dehydrated. Increase of water = dilution of electrolytes.
How much you need is determined by how much you are used to, and how you feel. Generally, an electrolyte imbalance is noticed very quickly, because you tend to feel like crap - headaches, low energy, lightheaded, dizzy, weak.