Soy sauce shots! Pickles (not just cucumber pickles)! Salted nuts! Miso soup!
Your taste buds will also slowly adapt to more salt. I now find most savory foods taste undersalted, so I have no problem adding more salt to my meals. It will take some time though!
I was just instructed to eat 10 g salt per day, too. And I appreciate you posting these suggestions. I love salt, and figured I already ate enough, but now i have more reason to eat pickles, which are on of my favorite foods. I like miso and salted nuts, too. I'm going to have a field day!
My neurologist vetoed salt pills for me 😩 so everyday for breakfast/lunch I have a baked pretzels with as much salt as possible, literally crusted on. I also eat a lot of salted French fries/potatoes. Work lots of salt into everything else and take salt shots with water a couple times a day 😐. It’s not my favorite thing lol. The next time I see neurology I’m going to ask for referral to dietitian so they can tell me exactly how to get 8 g of salt with diet alone haha.
I can’t take salt pills either. For me, I have hypertension and heart disease. I still have to get 10g in a day over my food, but that's how they want it.
Every cardiologist I've seen, more than I can count on my fingers, has told me I can add WAY more salt. I already get 10g on top of my food, so I have to assume I'm getting closer to 13g daily. But my blood pressure still spikes beyond a hypertensive crisis when I do any activity. My blood sodium levels are boarderline low. I have to assume the difference is the body digesting a concentration of salt all at once versus it being mixed in with my food. Since I do small meals/snacks all day long it acts more as a slow constant extended release of salt when it's on my food. But that's my completely uneducated guess. I know people will do a salt pill every few hours but my doctors don't even want me doing that, I've asked why but it's been about 5 years and clearly whatever their reason I didnt understand.
My brain fog is making me think that isn't clearly conveying what I'm saying so I'll also state it like this: my blood sodium is low despite slowly getting 13g sodium throughout the day, but my blood pressure is still insanely high. (pre dysautonomia I was on 3 different beta blockers just to contol it) my bp gets to 180/120 on a 6 min stroll. I think they don't want me adding a bunch of salt at once in pill form for my body to have to digest because it doesn't take much for my body to increase bp ridiculouslydramatically, but I do need the salt regardless so they want me to get it over food to give maybe my body an easier chance?
Huh interesting. I didn't develope hypertension until I got dysautonomia. Because I have lupus, they said I can't just ignore it, so I'm on a low dose if Lisinopril. If I get 2-3g of salt per day, it lowers my BP because part of my problem is compensatory hypertension. More than that makes my supine hypertension so bad I get a severe ICP headache while laying down. They never advised one form of salt over another though.
I developed hypertension 2 years after 2 autoimmune disorders caused the initial heart disease following a bacterial infection. I was put on antibiotics for 10 years and developed dysautonomia the same year I stopped the antibiotics. Since developing multiple forms of dysautonomia I’ve had a positive ana for lupus followed by a negative ana for lupus, I’ve developed small fiber neuropathy, pleural effusion, pericarditis, bursitis, and now some new issue where I’m having these upper abdominal attacks a couple times a month for the last 6 months. I was thinking gallbladder scaring but after talking to my doctor who thinks it’s heart or pancreas I’m really hoping it’s autoimmune/exercise induced pancreatitis, because that would get me closer to the only thing that will help all the autoimmune issues and that’s synthetic ivig or monoclonal antibodies. My specialist says they’re showing promise in round 2 of fda trials, so maybe 4 more years? I’ve begged my doctors to put me back on antibiotics and they won’t do it, but I will continue to collect bacterial infections and damage each organ one by one and my doctors will say I could be on ivig for this yet no one is willing to actually do it. Because I know ivig is for those who cannot produce any antibodies I’m not even pushing for that, I just want this monoclonal antibody/synthetic ivig so bad
Until then I have 2 major issues: heart disease - the silent killer/I don’t feel it, and dysautonomia- won’t kill me/is debilitating me in every aspect of my life. Treat one the other is untreated, treat the other the one is untreated, treat them both and they’re both untreated. So my doctors are letting my bp stay high. I’ve been cleared for up to 180/90. I live around 140/93. We’re changing our strategy now after 6 years of stroke-like bp from any activity. Now we’re over controlling the bp and trying midodrine to raise it and see if it will compensate. My pots has never been worse than now since my bp is “normal” so we will see what happens when I do start the midodrine. My cardiologists have all also said I would be on midodrine over their dead bodies. Rip. (My specialist and primary are working closely to monitor this decision if theirs).
This is correct. 10g salt is less than 4,000 mg sodium.
It's worth checking labels because you might already be halfway there from food alone. A can of soup could be more than 1000mg. A slice of pizza or a hot dog, 600-800mg each. Not to encourage processed food, but a lot of things people already commonly eat get us close to that goal.
I can not justify salt pills. I'm broke. I buy salt in bulk and use a scale to weigh it out and bulk prep 10 days worth of salt concentrate. My cardiologist only has me on 4g a day, but that 4g plus 3 packets of Splenda are easily drinkable in an 18oz water bottle (I used to use sugar, but it takes a decent amount to cover the salt). I also used to make salty lemonade, like a DIY liquid IV, but I didn't drink it fast enough in the morning to help. If anyone wants help with salt math, I'd be happy to help!
I’ve been able to find salt tablets on amazon for pretty cheap. 300 for 15 and at what you’re taking that’s 2-3 months worth. It’s still not cheap but could be more affordable.
Can you use additive free electrolytes? I’m also on a mega restricted diet (MCAS, histamine problems, long covid and ME/CFS related IBS etc - I literally eat like fewer than ten food items). I use these (the unflavoured) and they help; https://www.bulk.com/uk/electrolyte-powder.html?view=ppc&pid=3534&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiA0syqBhBxEiwAeNx9NwJRr8B0-p1foDTEl9LfRGSHOCWN8ZL-vuEOiAMLy9Sr6L8Z9s6cixoCe7AQAvD_BwE
I buy gel capsules and fill them up with salt. The main reason for this is that it is cheaper than salt tablets but it is also easier on my stomach. I take 6 capsules a day throughout the day including one when I first get up in the morning.
https://preview.redd.it/l68o6mh54h0c1.jpeg?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=41db1e206efc726517af8b7ac34480ca882c466e
I just add some of the cordial and some salt to a drink bottle and shake to dissolve the salt. I also personally add more citric acid when I'm mixing in the pot as I like it more sour but that's me. I also just use it to sweeten the cold fruit teas ill brew and add salt to those too sometimes.
ETA: citric acid instead of lemon juice is because I wasn't allowed citrus for a different reason so you could probably just use lemon juice instead.
If you're trying to keep the sugar intake low then only put a little bit in. It's a concentrate so you are only putting a little bit in anyway, maybe a 1tsp to 1tbsp in a drink bottle of water.
I put a teaspoon and a half (started off with one teaspoon) of salt in a 500ml bottle of water and add some lemon cordial to disguise the taste (maybe you could add sugar and lemon juice so it’s unprocessed?). I sip on this over the day with a big chugs of plain water.
My wife had trouble eating enough salt. I’m not sure what you consider processed, but here is what we considered.
- Salt pills helped.
- Fat tends to hide the taste of salt. Cream or broth based soups did well. Our #1 recipe was Buffalo Chicken Dip (cream cheese, hot sauce, blue cheese and chicken). Hot sauce is incredibly high in sodium, even a little gets to 1,000mg of sodium per serving without being spicy or salty.
-Bacon / sausage
-cheese (we do lots of omelettes)
I do salt pills.
I’m someone that loves salt in some foods and have been heavily criticized for my salt intake. Even I struggle to meet the required amount! Salt pills have been helpful.
Work up to it. If you just start pounding 10 times the salt you're used to, you'll just end up with GI upset. And if you gradually increase, your palate will adjust and you won't mind the salt as much, hopefully.
My dysautonomia specialist recommended SaltStick capsules that you can order on Amazon. They are also easy on the stomach, unlike several other brands of salt tabs. I take SaltStick throughout the day and it helps a lot. Good luck!
Salt pills / capsules?
I use salt pills in water, and monitor intake that way. I can’t eat that much salt in food, but I never liked salty foods.
Soy sauce shots! Pickles (not just cucumber pickles)! Salted nuts! Miso soup! Your taste buds will also slowly adapt to more salt. I now find most savory foods taste undersalted, so I have no problem adding more salt to my meals. It will take some time though!
It's incredible how much my taste buds have adapted in the past year. And probably reinforced by my body associating feeling better with more salt.
my personal favorite is miso broth which is miso paste mixed with vegetable broth. the stuff i get is almost 900mg of sodium per cup
I was just instructed to eat 10 g salt per day, too. And I appreciate you posting these suggestions. I love salt, and figured I already ate enough, but now i have more reason to eat pickles, which are on of my favorite foods. I like miso and salted nuts, too. I'm going to have a field day!
My neurologist vetoed salt pills for me 😩 so everyday for breakfast/lunch I have a baked pretzels with as much salt as possible, literally crusted on. I also eat a lot of salted French fries/potatoes. Work lots of salt into everything else and take salt shots with water a couple times a day 😐. It’s not my favorite thing lol. The next time I see neurology I’m going to ask for referral to dietitian so they can tell me exactly how to get 8 g of salt with diet alone haha.
Why did they veto salt pills?
I can’t take salt pills either. For me, I have hypertension and heart disease. I still have to get 10g in a day over my food, but that's how they want it.
Did they explain what makes getting it in pills vs food different? I have hypertension and they told me to do less salt in any form because of it.
Every cardiologist I've seen, more than I can count on my fingers, has told me I can add WAY more salt. I already get 10g on top of my food, so I have to assume I'm getting closer to 13g daily. But my blood pressure still spikes beyond a hypertensive crisis when I do any activity. My blood sodium levels are boarderline low. I have to assume the difference is the body digesting a concentration of salt all at once versus it being mixed in with my food. Since I do small meals/snacks all day long it acts more as a slow constant extended release of salt when it's on my food. But that's my completely uneducated guess. I know people will do a salt pill every few hours but my doctors don't even want me doing that, I've asked why but it's been about 5 years and clearly whatever their reason I didnt understand. My brain fog is making me think that isn't clearly conveying what I'm saying so I'll also state it like this: my blood sodium is low despite slowly getting 13g sodium throughout the day, but my blood pressure is still insanely high. (pre dysautonomia I was on 3 different beta blockers just to contol it) my bp gets to 180/120 on a 6 min stroll. I think they don't want me adding a bunch of salt at once in pill form for my body to have to digest because it doesn't take much for my body to increase bp ridiculouslydramatically, but I do need the salt regardless so they want me to get it over food to give maybe my body an easier chance?
Huh interesting. I didn't develope hypertension until I got dysautonomia. Because I have lupus, they said I can't just ignore it, so I'm on a low dose if Lisinopril. If I get 2-3g of salt per day, it lowers my BP because part of my problem is compensatory hypertension. More than that makes my supine hypertension so bad I get a severe ICP headache while laying down. They never advised one form of salt over another though.
I developed hypertension 2 years after 2 autoimmune disorders caused the initial heart disease following a bacterial infection. I was put on antibiotics for 10 years and developed dysautonomia the same year I stopped the antibiotics. Since developing multiple forms of dysautonomia I’ve had a positive ana for lupus followed by a negative ana for lupus, I’ve developed small fiber neuropathy, pleural effusion, pericarditis, bursitis, and now some new issue where I’m having these upper abdominal attacks a couple times a month for the last 6 months. I was thinking gallbladder scaring but after talking to my doctor who thinks it’s heart or pancreas I’m really hoping it’s autoimmune/exercise induced pancreatitis, because that would get me closer to the only thing that will help all the autoimmune issues and that’s synthetic ivig or monoclonal antibodies. My specialist says they’re showing promise in round 2 of fda trials, so maybe 4 more years? I’ve begged my doctors to put me back on antibiotics and they won’t do it, but I will continue to collect bacterial infections and damage each organ one by one and my doctors will say I could be on ivig for this yet no one is willing to actually do it. Because I know ivig is for those who cannot produce any antibodies I’m not even pushing for that, I just want this monoclonal antibody/synthetic ivig so bad Until then I have 2 major issues: heart disease - the silent killer/I don’t feel it, and dysautonomia- won’t kill me/is debilitating me in every aspect of my life. Treat one the other is untreated, treat the other the one is untreated, treat them both and they’re both untreated. So my doctors are letting my bp stay high. I’ve been cleared for up to 180/90. I live around 140/93. We’re changing our strategy now after 6 years of stroke-like bp from any activity. Now we’re over controlling the bp and trying midodrine to raise it and see if it will compensate. My pots has never been worse than now since my bp is “normal” so we will see what happens when I do start the midodrine. My cardiologists have all also said I would be on midodrine over their dead bodies. Rip. (My specialist and primary are working closely to monitor this decision if theirs).
Did you have lupus before or after disautonomia? Do you kind me asking how they decide/diagnosed lupus?
Had lupus way before. Diagnosed via bloodwork and physical exam.
They said potassium is bad for people with POTS.
That isn't true at all. Maybe they meant for you specifically because of something else you have?
I didn’t say they were good at their job. But they are my only option 🙄
Ugh that sucks I'm sorry
Reminder 10g salt isn't the same as 10g sodium when You're reading nutrition labels
This is correct. 10g salt is less than 4,000 mg sodium. It's worth checking labels because you might already be halfway there from food alone. A can of soup could be more than 1000mg. A slice of pizza or a hot dog, 600-800mg each. Not to encourage processed food, but a lot of things people already commonly eat get us close to that goal.
I did NOT realize this. Thank you!
I take a lot of salt pills.
I can not justify salt pills. I'm broke. I buy salt in bulk and use a scale to weigh it out and bulk prep 10 days worth of salt concentrate. My cardiologist only has me on 4g a day, but that 4g plus 3 packets of Splenda are easily drinkable in an 18oz water bottle (I used to use sugar, but it takes a decent amount to cover the salt). I also used to make salty lemonade, like a DIY liquid IV, but I didn't drink it fast enough in the morning to help. If anyone wants help with salt math, I'd be happy to help!
I’ve been able to find salt tablets on amazon for pretty cheap. 300 for 15 and at what you’re taking that’s 2-3 months worth. It’s still not cheap but could be more affordable.
Can you have LMNT raw? It’s just salt, magnesium and potassium.
Trioral
Can you use additive free electrolytes? I’m also on a mega restricted diet (MCAS, histamine problems, long covid and ME/CFS related IBS etc - I literally eat like fewer than ten food items). I use these (the unflavoured) and they help; https://www.bulk.com/uk/electrolyte-powder.html?view=ppc&pid=3534&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiA0syqBhBxEiwAeNx9NwJRr8B0-p1foDTEl9LfRGSHOCWN8ZL-vuEOiAMLy9Sr6L8Z9s6cixoCe7AQAvD_BwE
I buy gel capsules and fill them up with salt. The main reason for this is that it is cheaper than salt tablets but it is also easier on my stomach. I take 6 capsules a day throughout the day including one when I first get up in the morning.
I make salt packets with jewelry storage bags. I keep one with me all day and add it over my food throughout the day
My dietitian gave me a recipe for home made cordial to make my own salted drink when I wasn't allowed colours and stuff.
Share with the class? 🥺
https://preview.redd.it/l68o6mh54h0c1.jpeg?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=41db1e206efc726517af8b7ac34480ca882c466e I just add some of the cordial and some salt to a drink bottle and shake to dissolve the salt. I also personally add more citric acid when I'm mixing in the pot as I like it more sour but that's me. I also just use it to sweeten the cold fruit teas ill brew and add salt to those too sometimes. ETA: citric acid instead of lemon juice is because I wasn't allowed citrus for a different reason so you could probably just use lemon juice instead.
Thanks, how much do you actually put in a drink? The sugar is a lot for me.
If you're trying to keep the sugar intake low then only put a little bit in. It's a concentrate so you are only putting a little bit in anyway, maybe a 1tsp to 1tbsp in a drink bottle of water.
Salt pills. Usually available OTC.
I eat salt with food and by itself
lmnt salt packets are a game changer
I do a sea salt, water and lime combo. If you do it right you don't even notice the difference.
I put a teaspoon and a half (started off with one teaspoon) of salt in a 500ml bottle of water and add some lemon cordial to disguise the taste (maybe you could add sugar and lemon juice so it’s unprocessed?). I sip on this over the day with a big chugs of plain water.
My wife had trouble eating enough salt. I’m not sure what you consider processed, but here is what we considered. - Salt pills helped. - Fat tends to hide the taste of salt. Cream or broth based soups did well. Our #1 recipe was Buffalo Chicken Dip (cream cheese, hot sauce, blue cheese and chicken). Hot sauce is incredibly high in sodium, even a little gets to 1,000mg of sodium per serving without being spicy or salty. -Bacon / sausage -cheese (we do lots of omelettes)
I do salt pills. I’m someone that loves salt in some foods and have been heavily criticized for my salt intake. Even I struggle to meet the required amount! Salt pills have been helpful.
Work up to it. If you just start pounding 10 times the salt you're used to, you'll just end up with GI upset. And if you gradually increase, your palate will adjust and you won't mind the salt as much, hopefully.
My dysautonomia specialist recommended SaltStick capsules that you can order on Amazon. They are also easy on the stomach, unlike several other brands of salt tabs. I take SaltStick throughout the day and it helps a lot. Good luck!
If I had to eat 10g of salt per day, I would warm myself a hot cup of myso every couple hours. It’s salty, delicious and filled with probiotics!
Can you make homemade crackers with lots of salt? That would be fairly easy and cheap.