how much sodium?

[musclestack]

How much sodium is acceptable in a body-builder's diet who is cutting and trying to stay as dry as possible?

[Damienm05]

Trial and error. Some people bloat slightly at anything beyond 800mg (which is stupidly low, essentially it allows only for unsalted lean protein, whole grains, and vegetables - no sauces, cheese, seasonings, etc.)

In general, if you're tracking sodium intake based on the recommended dv% however, you're probably fine. No processed foods, no additional table salt, no ethnic seasoning sauces such as soy, curry paste, soffrito, and other sodium loaded cocktails. I'd try doing this for 5 days and then dropping sodium to around 600mg for 3 - see if you notice a difference.

Also, carb intake is a factor as 1g of muscle glycogen = 3g of water with it I believe. So, while you shouldn't hinder your diet based on an aeshetic factor like sodium, know that even a clean high carb diet won't have you as dry as a filthy keto meal plan with bacon and sausage.

[mg0922]

wow, great info damien. Good to know!

=)

[jngymrat]

good post

[Tigershark]

Switch to sea salt. It is better for you.

[Damienm05]

Most sea salts are unrefined and therefore contain slightly less sodium and more trace minerals than table salts. Some producers of sea salt claim that their products contain up to 60% less sodium than other salts.

[musclestack]

Wow, thanks Damien! I'm on vacation right now, and I've noticed in the past couple weeks, I've been a little bloated. I think it's due to the salsa that I'm adding to my eggs/sweet potato in meals 1 and 2. You think this could be the culprit?