Dr. Berg’s Healthy Keto and Intermittent Fasting Podcast

The Hidden Dangers Of Excessive Salt Consumption

Sep 21, 2023

07:15

Snipd AI

The podcast discusses the signs of excessive salt consumption, sodium deficiency symptoms, and the relationship between high blood pressure and insulin resistance. It emphasizes the importance of potassium and sodium balance, suggests a low-carb diet and increased potassium consumption to improve blood sugar levels, and recommends the use of sea salt.

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Quick takeaways

Consuming excessive sodium can lead to symptoms like edema, high blood pressure, and fatigue.

Many individuals who experience symptoms of excessive sodium intake are actually potassium deficient and should consume foods high in potassium to balance their intake.

Deep dives

Excessive sodium intake leads to water retention and high blood pressure

Consuming excessive amounts of sodium can lead to symptoms like edema, thirst, high blood pressure, headaches, restlessness, irritability, nausea, and fatigue. This is because sodium retains water in the body, resulting in fluid overload and increased blood volume, leading to high blood pressure. It is important to note that the most common underlying cause of high blood pressure is insulin resistance, which can be worsened by a low sodium diet.

Signs of Excessive Salt Consumption and Unintended Consequences of Low Salt Diet

5min

The Significance of Potassium in Sodium Balance and the Effects of a High-Carb Diet

2min

Let’s talk about the signs you’re consuming too much salt.

Top signs you’re consuming too much salt:

• Edema (in the eyes, hands, feet, or lower legs)

• Thirst

• High blood pressure

• Headache

• Restlessness

• Irritability

• Nausea

• Fatigue

Top signs of sodium deficiency:

• Weakness

• Low blood pressure

• An increase in neurotransmitters

• Vascular stiffness and high blood pressure

• Insulin resistance

In my opinion, the most common cause of high blood pressure is insulin resistance. Many things can contribute to insulin resistance, including a high-carb diet, intermittent fasting, and a low-sodium diet.

The most common treatment for high blood pressure is diuretics. But, diuretics can cause you to lose both sodium and potassium.

People who are salt sensitive or who have symptoms of a sodium deficiency are really deficient in potassium. Sodium and potassium work together in the body, and you need twice as much potassium as you do sodium. The average person needs 2300mg of sodium and 4700mg of potassium per day.

The more carbohydrates you have in your diet, the more potassium you’ll lock up, making it unavailable. It’s important for people with diabetes to get on a low-carb diet and consume foods high in potassium or a good electrolyte powder.

We need sodium in our diets, but not just sodium chloride—we need the whole mineral balance. This is why it’s best to consume sea salt.

However, if you have high blood pressure, try consuming Baja Gold Sea Salt. This type of sea salt tastes great and has lower amounts of sodium.

DATA:

https://insulinresistance.org/index.php/jir/article/view/78/242

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3533616/