How Salt and Weight Loss Are Related

Overweight adults who shed 5 to 7 percent of their body weight may experience an improvement in their quality of life, according to information provided by the Weight-Control Information Network. For example, if you weigh 200 lb., losing 10 to 14 lb. could help you prevent health problems like diabetes. Overweight adults with high blood pressure may lower it naturally by eating a low-salt diet, such as the plan spelled out in the

Salt: Table salt, or sodium chloride, is the most common form of sodium found in the diet according to information provided by MedlinePlus, a National Institutes of Health website. Critical for blood pressure regulation and muscle function, salt naturally occurs in most foods, including beets, celery and milk. MedlinePlus cautions that too much salt in your diet may lead to high blood pressure and fluid buildup.

Weight Loss: In order to lose weight, you must burn more calories than you consume daily. The best way to accomplish long-term weight loss goals, according to information provided by the Weight-control Information Network, includes a diet emphasizing fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low-fat proteins in combination with a regular exercise program. Initial short-term weight loss solutions include meal replacements and calorie-restricted diets prescribed by your health professional.

Low-Sodium Vegetable Juice: Drinking one or more 8-oz. glasses of low-sodium vegetable juice a day, along with following the DASH diet plan, may produce better weight loss results for overweight individuals diagnosed with metabolic syndrome. The study, conducted at the Baylor College of Medicine and presented at the April 2009 Experimental Biology Meeting, found participants who used the DASH diet lost on average only 1 lb. over 12 weeks, while the group also drinking low-sodium vegetable juice lost 4 lb. over 12 weeks.

Heart Failure Self-Care: Your doctor may recommend eating a low-sodium diet and losing weight after you are diagnosed with heart failure, according to information provided by MedlinePlus. It recommends reducing salt intake by using alternative seasonings such as pepper, lemon and garlic as well as by avoiding processed meats like salami and sausage. After heart failure, do not start a weight loss or exercise program without your doctor's supervision.

Symptoms of Addison's Disease: A new, persistent and excessive craving for salt is a symptom of Addison's disease, says Mayo Clinic endocrinologist Todd B. Nippoldt, M.D. Other symptoms of this medical condition characterized by insufficient adrenal gland activity include weight loss, muscle weakness and low blood pressure. Salt cravings are also a symptom of Bartter syndrome, a group of kidney-related health conditions.

References:
EurekAlert: Research Suggests Vegetable Juice May Help People with Metabolic Syndrome Lose Weight
MedlinePlus: Sodium
MedlinePlus: Heart Failure
MayoClinic.com: Salt Craving, a Symptom of Addison's Disease
Weight-control Information Network: Weight Loss For Life

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