Salt: Make Sure You Get Enough
The current thinking is to cut out all salt, but that may not be the best advice. In the summer time you get hot, sweat drips down your body and with that sweat goes the sodium (another name for salt)–some 50 mg to 100 mg–which affects how your body functions. Without enough sodium, you can feel groggy, dizzy and weak, so it is essential you keep your sodium at safe levels.
Sip water throughout the day to keep hydrated, especially while exercising. The salt and water need to stay in balance, and sipping the water keeps the salt at safe levels.
Snack on fresh fruits and vegetables, unsalted crackers or low-fat yogurt to keep your sodium balance. Many foods have the salt you need in them. Avoid processed foods which can contain too much salt.
If you feel dizzy or weak, you may be dehydrated. Move to a cool place and drink fruit juice, vegetable juice with no salt added, or drinks containing electrolytes such as Gatorade. If your symptoms feels severe, get help immediately.
