Dehydration

Consuming too much salt increases the risk of developing high blood pressure, which leads to strokes, heart attacks, and kidney disease. Some people are sensitive to the harmful effects of salt, including the elderly, African-Americans, and people with chronic diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, and kidney disease.

Salt is an acquired taste. Three-fourths of the salt consumed comes from prepared and processed convenience foods. Enough sodium is present in natural foods to meet the body’s needs without adding more.

Along with too much salt, Americans also consume too little potassium, which counters the harmful effects of too much salt. The average man and woman requires 4.7 grams of potassium a day, but consume only about 50% of this amount. They consume less than 4.7 grams of potassium as day. Among the best dietary sources of potassium are : spinach, cantaloupe, almonds, Brussels sprouts, mushrooms, bananas, oranges, orange juice, grapefruits, potatoes, dried fruits, peanut butter, bran, meats, dried beans, peas, coffee, tea, and cocoa.

It has been commonly accepted that a body-weight loss of water of more than 2% during exercise impairs athletic performance. However, a French study of marathoners found that the fastest finishers were the MOST DEHYDRATED, having lost 3.1% of their body weigh, while the slowest finishers lost only 1.8%. It appears the body has hidden reserves that can generate several pints of water during exercise. Drinking water when thirsty appears to be the best course of action.