How to Drink Water to Counter Sodium

Sodium is an electrolyte essential to overall health. However, too much sodium in the body can lead to a variety of unpleasant health conditions, including bloating, edema and hypertension. According to "Contemporary Nutrition," healthy adults should aim to consume no more than 2,000 mg per day of sodium. It is quite easy to exceed this amount, as sodium is found in nearly all processed foods, including crackers, deli meat, frozen meals and cheese. Changing your drinking habits can often counter excess sodium intake.

Jogger drinking bottled water. (Image: Comstock Images/Stockbyte/Getty Images)

Step 1

Drink 1 oz. of water per pound of your body weight if you have consumed too much sodium and need to flush the excess sodium from your body.

Step 2

Sip the water throughout the day. Avoid chugging the water.

Step 3

Drink at least 1 oz. for every two pounds of your body weight to maintain hydration and prevent sodium overload when you are consuming less than 2,000 mg sodium per day. For example, if you weigh 200 lbs., you should drink at least 100 oz. of water per day.

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