It turns out to salt or not is a tricky question. Even though it’s generally accepted that a no salt or low salt diet is best for optimum health, there is a small percentage of the population who suffer from a critical sodium deficiency called Hyponatremia. Without treatment this condition is not only miserable, it can be fatal.
Athletes performing extreme sports need to keep their electrolytes up and most know how to manage excessive sweating. My daughter once ended up in the hospital due to improper hydration after a long Hot Yoga session.
Many people are careful to reduce or eliminate sodium for health reasons, but what I want to share here is how easy it is to overlook chronically low sodium levels. The majority are elderly.
How are we protecting our seniors? It is sometimes difficult for them to advocate for themselves, and some have no family or friends to care for them, to notice declining mental and physical health. Are advancing confusion, fatigue, and feelings of being unwell explained by onset of dementia or simply “just being old”?
14 comments
A very important lesson to learn.
Thanks for sharing Shea. I have no doubt that many of your readers will find this information helpful.
Thanks Brian. I hope so. I learned a lot myself.
I believe, like everything, moderation is the key. Cut down on salt but don´t cut it out. I still put a little in everything I make but we seldom add any on our plate. I´m surprised this isn´t something that is tested for on a regular basis. I so agree we should not assume age is necessarily the reason for declining wellness. I had a disagreement with a doctor a few years ago when I said I thought mom had had a stroke. He said, no, she was just getting old. I insisted on a test, which they finally did, and it was discovered that she had had a stroke. Yes, we do need to speak up for the older folks. Your mom is lucky you have her back! HUgs to both of you.
I love this, being an ocean person and a foody. The thought of it’s value beyond body needs is so true. Thank you for bringing that in.
Hi Darlene, until mom got sick I had no idea how important it is to the body function.
I know this is a question that people can get very passionate about – to salt or not to salt. It can depend on what salt you use and how you use it. From a culinary perspective, salt is essential to the flavour of food when you cook. Not using salt in the process creates very bland food as salt draws out the flavour. Salt is in our tears, and it is a healing agent to the soul. Salt water of the sea is a healing agent to wounds.
Salt is essential to life it seems.
So true and so personal. Health and pleasure all wrapped together.
Bless you for taking such great care of your elders. A noble profession. This is also a valuable reminder that we know our symptoms and should trust our intuition and advocate strongly for what we feel we need from healthcare providers. I’ve been chastised frequently for “diagnosing” myself or “seeking specific treatments” when I was right all along. A wise paediatrician 30 years ago in San Francisco taught me this. I apply it, most importantly, to my nursing practice. A patient knows their experience better than anyone else. A good practitioner is an active, curious listener.
Wise comments Jocelyn and why you have been a brilliant and caring nurse all these years. The trick for me was figuring out when my gut was talking and listening by not without allowing fear to be the boss. Thanks for chiming in. I’m lucky to have a senior to care for.
Thanks for the brilliant research. That is so helpful and relevant for my Mum as well. I am sharing this with the sibs!
Hi Annabel, I’m glad you found this useful. It is way more common than anyone realizes. Thanks for sharing.
Must be why salt water, taken externally, for long periods, daily makes me feel so good. Bless you sister for all your research and help with our Mom.
Thanks. I find doing the research fascinating. It certainly helps me too.