This Podcast Will Kill You

Ep 195 Salt Part 2: The Substance

26 snips
Dec 2, 2025
Dive into the salty debate as the hosts explore whether salt is truly detrimental to our health. Learn about its biological importance, how it regulates our body's sodium and potassium balance, and why we have a craving for this flavor enhancer. Discover compelling evidence that links sodium intake to blood pressure and various health outcomes, including cardiovascular risks. You'll also uncover tips for reducing sodium intake while boosting potassium-rich foods in your diet. Salt lovers, this one's for you!
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INSIGHT

Sodium-Potassium Balance Controls Fluid Volume

  • Sodium mostly sits outside cells while potassium sits inside, and their balance determines total body fluid volume.
  • Our bodies tightly regulate sodium because water follows sodium, so sodium content controls blood volume and pressure.
ADVICE

Replace Volume Loss With Sodium-Containing Fluids

  • Replace lost fluids with sodium-containing solutions rather than plain water when you lose large volumes.
  • Rely on kidneys to adjust sodium but use IV fluids or salty food after major bleeding, sweat, or diarrhea to restore volume.
INSIGHT

Modern Intake Far Above Ancestral Need

  • Early hominids likely consumed ~1 g salt/day (≈400 mg sodium) and physiological minimum is roughly 500 mg sodium/day.
  • Modern global average (~4 g sodium/day) far exceeds estimated ancestral needs and major health guidelines.
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