How to Use a Low Salt Diet to Ease Symptoms of Arthritis
Eating too much sodium, found in salt, causes water retention. When the body retains water, it strains the joints and can add pressure to joints. In some arthritis patients, sodium can actually cause the joints themselves to swell. Use a low salt diet to ease symptoms of arthritis.
Things You'll Need
- Nutrition labels for foods you eat
- Water
- Herbs, spices and seasonings (low sodium)
Instructions
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Make sure you are drinking enough water. Six to eight glasses every day, eight ounces in every glass, is critical to keep your body in balance when it comes to water retention. Drinking too little water causes your body to cling to the water, causing water retention.
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Reduce salt intake. Stop shaking salt on your food and adding salt to recipes. Add herbs, spices, and seasonings that are low-sodium instead.
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Read nutrition labels. You want to eat products that are low in sodium. Your total intake should be less than 2000 mg per day. Keep track of your total intake throughout the day; it's easy to accidentally go over your limit.
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If you're taking corticosteroids, the medication may cause your body to retain water. This is yet another reason to watch salt intake and to eat a low-salt diet.
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Give the diet a few weeks before judging whether it works or not. You may experience frequent urination at first, as the body no longer needs to retain water. You may also lose a few pounds as the water leaves the body. Less weight on the joints and less water retention should lead to a lessening of pain.
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Tips & Warnings
Watch for hidden sources of sodium in common condiments such as ketchup, soy sauce and salad dressings.
Your body does need sodium, so do not go on a sodium-free diet.
