Salt makes you skinny

Just kidding! :) 

(I made the title catchy so you would read it.)

So I want to talk about the big salt/sodium debate. Is it a problem? Yes it is, but it is only a problem for some people who fit in a specific profile...

Okay the doctor tells you to watch your salt intake. He says if you are adding salt your going to increase your blood pressure to your already existing hypertensive condition... Bummer! But what he doesn't tell you is that salt intake isn't the only contributor to sodium/water retention (remember sodium increases blood pressure). Excessive insulin by far is the major player. What I mean here is that an excessive carbohydrate/grain diet signals the kidney to hold water! And some evidence shows increased internal fat surrounding vital organs, thus promoting high blood pressure. I will save this topic for another time but for now just know that excessive insulin promotes water retention and abnormal organ pressure.

So back to the topic at hand...SALT!

Salt intake is high because we eat too much manufactured food: canned foods, packaged foods, boxed foods; you know, all the cereals, pastries, processed meats, fast foods, etc. So when you visit your doctor instead of him telling you to stop eating junk (which he won't cause he eats it too) he tells you to limit your dash of salt over dinner and prescribes you high blood pressure medication...very interesting huh?

If you are over fat (this is the correct term to the commonly referred over weight) then no salt for you buddy. You have some work to do. You need to drop fat and let your body heal before you start using the salt shaker again. 

It's an easy fix. Remove all processed foods. Salt, or more accurately, a TON of salt is added to preserve junk foods and add shelf life.  Cook your meals. Eat lean cuts of meat (preferably organic), lots of greens, fruits, nuts and seeds. If you do this you will self correct your high blood pressure and hey, you will lose lots of fat and unnecessary water :) 

* High salt is linked to ostesoporsis, asthma, kidney disease, and stomach cancer... OUCH! Remember though this applies to those who suffer from high blood pressure and are over fat.

* If you don't fit the profile then don't be afraid to "dash" a little here and there. Salt is needed for your optimal muscle contraction, nerve function, and to regulate fluid balance.