How to Prevent Diabetes Insipidus With a Low-Sodium Diet
Diabetes insipidus is caused when the body experiences a decrease in the hormone Antidiuretic (AHD). This increases a person's urine output and changes the color, becoming less concentrated and more pale in color. If this condition is untreated, a person may experience severe dehydration and cardiovascular issues. However, if you have a family history of diabetes insipidus, a low-sodium diet may offset your risk. But, before cutting your sodium consumption, here are a few tips for getting started.
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Instructions
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Before making adjustments to your sodium consumption, it's important to talk with your doctor. He or she can determine if a diet low in sodium is best for you.
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Determine how much sodium to consume. According to the Cristine Trahms of University of Washington (see Resources), most people in the United States consume about 5,000 mg of sodium each day, which is far too much. However, those interested in preventing diabetes insipidus with a low-sodium diet, should talk with their doctor about restricting sodium to 500 mg per day.
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Understand how to identify high-sodium foods. For example, many flavor enhancers and cooking spices are high in sodium. In addition, according to the Mayo Clinic, processed foods are notorious for containing high levels of sodium, including lunch meats, frozen meals and canned vegetables. Avoiding these foods can help you control sodium and prevent diabetes insipidus.
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Check out the menu before dining out. Since restaurant portions are very large, they are often higher in sodium than home- cooked meals. Before going out to eat, check out the restaurant website for items that are low in sodium. If they don't have their menu online, contact the restaurant manager and ask for nutrition facts. Many of these establishments are making this information more readily available to customers.
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Tips & Warnings
Understand the symptoms of diabetes insipidus. Those affected by this condition may have symptoms including: waking up often at night to urinate, involuntary urination, excessive thirst, pale or water appearance to urine. If you have these symptoms, talk with your doctor immediately.
Don't forget to read food labels. Unfortunately, ingredients don't blatantly disclose they're the cause of diabetes; however, here are a few common sodium-packed ingredients: monosodium glutamate (MSG), disodium phosphate, baking powder and baking soda.
