WHY SALT IS GOOD FOR YOU
Disclaimer: If you are intending to make alterations to your sodium intake please consult your medical practitioner to discuss if this is right for your specific circumstances. This may not be appropriate with certain kidney, cardiovascular & other health conditions/medications.
Here are 3 benefits of consuming sodium (salt) for your health and performance:
Brain & nerve health: Our nerve cells send communications from our body to our brain and vice versa through electrical signals. Nerve cells works like a Mexican wave, the influx of sodium into each cell creates an electrical signal which is passed from one cell to another. This is essential when performing physical tasks as we need to activate high threshold motor units (big nerve groups responsible for muscle contraction) such as a heavy squat or leg press.
Hydration: Of the 4 main electrolytes we need to keep us hydrated, Sodium is the most essential. When we exercise, our core body temperature rises causing us to sweat. When we consume sodium with water, we are more likely to stay hydrated through osmosis. Osmosis is the process of water travelling to a salter solution in order to dilute it. By ingesting sodium, the less water we will excrete through our urine and the more we will retain to keep us hydrated.
Appetite & nutrition: Salt helps to cut the bitterness out of food and adds an element of sweetness to it which is great for taste. Salt works in a negative feedback loop, meaning your body tells you when you’ve had enough. Whereas, sugar works in a positive feedback loop, which encourages us to eat more.
When deciding what salt is right for you, there is plenty of options on the market to choose from. I recommend celtic sea salt as it has one of the highest concentrations of micronutrients (magnesium especially), and it is free of additives and bleaching found in white table salt. You can add a pinch to water, sprinkle over your meals or even add to snacks (such as watermelon!)
References
The Salt Fix by Dr James Dinicolantonio.