How to Flush Sodium From Your Body
Sodium has become a dirty word in our vocabulary. It shouldn't be, though; we need sodium to stay alive. However, over consumption of this tricky mineral is what causes ailments that put Americans on medications and special diets every year. These conditions include high blood pressure, cardiovascular problems and water retention. The best way to restore your sodium balance is to flush excess sodium from the body and to use preventative measures to ensure you don't fall victim to water retention or worse, heart attack or stroke.
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Instructions
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How to Flush Sodium From Your Body
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Drink water. The most effective way to excrete sodium seems to be the hardest. Too many Americans don't get the recommended amount of water per day. Drink 1 gallon of water daily. Distilled (de-mineralized) water can be used in place of regular tap or bottled water because, unlike regular water, it doesn't have minerals in it and won't add extra sodium to your diet.
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Potassium works hand-in-hand with sodium. In fact they are both necessary to perform optimal cell and nerve functions within the body. Our bodies want to hold tight to what little potassium we have and in the process hold on to sodium, as well. The simplest way to release the excessive sodium is to consume much more potassium than sodium. Luckily potassium is readily available through foods such as bananas and potatoes. If consuming potassium-rich foods isn't possible, take a potassium supplement.
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The American Dietetic Association recommends that individuals limit their sodium intake to 2,300 mg per day; Americans consume anywhere between 2,500 and 7,500 mg per day. With those statistics, it is no wonder sickness is rampant across the nation. Read food labels and limit sodium intake by eating more fruits and vegetables and less packaged, canned and processed foods, as they are usually high in sodium.
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Exercising daily is a good way to keep your weight under control and remove excess sodium through the skin, by sweating. If you can't engage in aerobic activity every day, shoot for three to five days a week.
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Tips & Warnings
Controversy surrounds the long-term safeness of distilled water, as it is completely devoid of essential minerals. So, it should be used only for a short period of time.
