Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with GoogleGet your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
Does Sodium Intake Affect Blood Pressure?
I have elevated blood pressure. With the cobination of religiously following the DASH diet, increased physical activity, and medicine from my doctor, my blood pressure has dropped fairly dramatically.
I have a question regarding sodium intake; the dash diet limits sodium to reasonably low levels. I have been asked to go out to dinner with a group of friends, how likely is it thatthe increased sodium intake will impact my blood pressure in the short term? Are there long term problems with a single day of falling off the low-sodium wagon?
I have a question regarding sodium intake; the dash diet limits sodium to reasonably low levels. I have been asked to go out to dinner with a group of friends, how likely is it thatthe increased sodium intake will impact my blood pressure in the short term? Are there long term problems with a single day of falling off the low-sodium wagon?
Fri, 23 Oct 2015
Good morning! If you do not have cardiac issues with fluctuating blood pressures, it is hard to conceive of a one day/one meal containing excess sodium having any long term consequences.
Now, short-term it would be difficult to say. You can check yourself. Get a home blood pressure/pulseometer and check your vitals when you get home after a high sodium meal at a restaurant. That will give you an idea on how just one meal might affect you as a biochemically individual profile.
I want to congratulate you on your excellent progress in changing your lifestyle, implementing the dash diet, starting an exercise program and someday maybe you can even get off your medication! I am proud of you. Keep up the good work, and please feel free to visit me anytime. Kathryn Shattler, MS,RDN
Now, short-term it would be difficult to say. You can check yourself. Get a home blood pressure/pulseometer and check your vitals when you get home after a high sodium meal at a restaurant. That will give you an idea on how just one meal might affect you as a biochemically individual profile.
I want to congratulate you on your excellent progress in changing your lifestyle, implementing the dash diet, starting an exercise program and someday maybe you can even get off your medication! I am proud of you. Keep up the good work, and please feel free to visit me anytime. Kathryn Shattler, MS,RDN
I find this answer helpful
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer.
For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service
[Sample answer]
Related questions you may be interested in
Recent questions on Hypertension
Loading Online Doctors....