Sodium and Sports Nutrition
Sodium (salt) is an important electrolyte that plays an essential role in the regulation of body fluids. While too much sodium can lead to an increased risk of heart disease, stroke and high blood pressure, kidney stones etc., the body requires more than 500 milligrams (min) per day to function properly. The amount of sodium in the body determines the amount of water the body stores. High intakes can cause body tissues to swell up. A normal diet usually contains enough sodium, but be careful not to limit your sodium intake too much in order to achieve more definition. If your sodium intake is too low, your body will turn on protective mechanisms which cause sodium and water retention. Find more sports nutrition related topics at nutrition main.