Trisodium Phosphate: Do you really know what is in your food?

 Trisodium Phosphate

I checked for myself this is no hoax or lie!!!

Definition of TRISODIUM PHOSPHATE

:  a crystalline compound Na₃PO₄ that is used especially in cleaning compositions

First Known Use of TRISODIUM PHOSPHATE

1923

Why is Trisodium Phosphate in Our Food?

(Originally posted on Mar 25, 2013)

Using the example of Banana Nut Cheerios, let’s just for a minute… forget that there are GMO ingredients in this cereal,  and let’s also forget that it contains A LOT of sugar…check this out:

• Sugar
• Brown Sugar Syrup
• Corn Syrup

…and if that wasn’t enough sugar, it also has

• Dried Corn Syrup

(Yeah…“Heart Healthy Cereal” …wink- wink)

So besides all that sugar, could someone please explain to me why this cereal contains Trisodium Phosphate? And it’s not just limited to this cereal, it is in fact in many other cereals as well as other foods!

Per the Website In R Food, the following speaks about the potential health effects of Trisodium Phosphate:

“The FDA claims that Trisodium phosphate in certain amounts is not a risk in food, but some reports and agencies have deemed it a hazardous substance. The Clean Water Act has taken steps to limit the use of TSP in CLEANING SUPPLIES because it damages the environment. Phosphates are required of the human body, however trisodium phosphate is an inorganic chemical phosphate. There are other organic sources of necessary phosphates that are proven to be safe and beneficial for consumption.

TSP has not been proven to be toxic to humans as a food additive, but has shown to be severely irritating to the gastric mucosa unless part of a buffered solution. Trisodium phosphate may reduce accumulation of lactic acid in muscles. Excess intake of TSP may produce an imbalance of minerals that lead to loss of calcium from bone and a calcification of the kidneys. The daily limit of trisodium phosphate is recommended to be 70mg. TSP consumed as part of a Western JUNK FOOD diet sometimes reaches upwards of 500mg, which leads to an increased risk of developing osteoporosis.”

So the FDA states that Trisodium Phosphate (TSP) is “Not a risk in food”, yet on the website PAN Pesticides Database – Chemicals it clearly states to “Avoid all Contact”!

You may be interested to know that TSP is also found in:

• Processed meat products
• Processed cheeses
• Many canned soups
• Acts as a leavening agent in many commercial cakes and baked goods

As well as:

• TOOTHPASTE
• WHITENING TOOTHPASTE
• Baby TOOTHPASTE
• Mouthwash
• Hair coloring and bleaching agents

When you think of all the health problems in this country, and then you think of what the FDA allows in our food, it certainly isn’t a major leap to wonder if this is on purpose!

What do you think?

Resources

• Trisodium Phosphate in Toothpaste Guide
• PAN Pesticides Database – Chemicals
• Ingredient Information Trisodium Phosphate
• Banana Nut Cheerios

Published By: Angie Lumley Davis

7 Steps to Healthy Low-Carb Living

Here are seven tips for low-carb living that can help you lose weight…and keep the weight off!

1.  Avoid Sugar and Starch. Sugars and starches are also known as carbohydrates and can be measured in “grams.” Try to limit your carbohydrate intake to 20 grams a day by avoiding sugar, bread, fruit, flour, pasta or any other sugary/starchy food that has a lot of carbs. Read the labels!

2.  Eat “Real Foods” That Have No Carbs. When hungry, you can have as much as you want of meats (beef, pork, lamb, veal, sausage, hot dogs), poultry, fish and shellfish, and eggs.

3.  Eat Fat to Lose Fat. Oils and butter have no carbs. You do not have to limit quantities, but you should stop eating when you’re full.

A Word about Veggies: Always remember that fruits and vegetables are healthy but they do contain significant carbohydrates and can slow down ketosis and weight loss. While you are targeting about 20 grams of carbohydrates per day, weigh yourself every day as you add small portions vegetables to your diet. If your weight begins to increase, you may need to reduce the amount of vegetables you are consuming.

4.  Eat Greens Every Day. Enjoy 2 cups of salad greens and 1 cup of non-starchy vegetables (measured uncooked) every day. Veggies can include: artichokes, asparagus, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, celery, cucumber, eggplant, green beans, jicama, leeks, mushrooms, okra, onions, peppers, pumpkin, shallots, snow peas, sprouts, summer squash, tomatoes, rhubarb, wax beans, zucchini.

5.  Drink Lots of Liquids. In addition to water, drink bouillon as needed to minimize headache or fatigue (unless you have high blood pressure, in which case bouillon is not recommended). You may have up to three servings of coffee, tea or caffeinated diet soda per day (cream and/or artificial sweeteners are allowed).

6.  Increase Activity/Reduce Stress. Inactivity and stress can negatively impact your health and even make it more difficult to lose weight. Stress management techniques may improve your ability to handle dietary temptations, such as sugar cravings. Increasing your activity level helps reduce stress, build muscle, decrease appetite and improve bone density.

7.    Eat When You’re Hungry, Stop When You’re Full. Listen to your body…if you are not hungry you don’t have to eat. A low-carb diet has a natural appetite reduction effect to ease you into smaller portions comfortably. You are not counting calories…you do not have to eat everything on your plate because it’s there!

Published By:

Angela Lumley

Ketosis

I wanted to share a blog on ketosis as, I was unaware what it was until I started going through it.

In biology, ketosis is a state of the organism characterised by elevated levels of ketone bodies in the blood, by the processes of lipolysis and beta-oxidation.

Ketone bodies are formed from excess amount of fat break down. Some of these ketone bodies such as acetoacetate and ß-hydroxybutyrate can also be used for energy.

When glycogen stores are not available in the cells, fat (triacylglycerol) is cleaved to give 3 fatty acid chains and 1 glycerol molecule in a process called lipolysis.

Most of the body is able to utilize fatty acids as an alternative source of energy in a process in which fatty acid chains are cleaved by coenzyme A (CoA) to form acetyl-CoA, which can then be fed into the Krebs cycle.

Acetyl-CoA can only enter the Krebs cycle bound to oxaloacetate. When carbohydrate supplies are inadequate to maintain blood glucose levels, the liver naturally converts oxaloacetate in the liver to glucose via gluconeogenesis for use by the brain and other tissues.

Excess acetyl-CoA in the liver is used to produce ketone bodies, leading to a state of ketosis. During this process, a high concentration of glucagon is present in the serum, which inactivates hexokinase and phosphofructokinase-1 (regulators of glycolysis) indirectly, causing most cells in the body to use fatty acids as their primary energy source.

The brain cannot use fatty acids for energy because the fatty acids cannot cross the blood-brain barrier. However, the ketone bodies produced in the liver can cross the blood-brain barrier. In the brain, these ketone bodies are then incorporated into acetyl-CoA and used in the Krebs cycle.

Excess ketone bodies will slowly decarboxylate into acetone. Acetone is excreted in the breath and urine.

Ketosis should not be confused with ketoacidosis (diabetic ketoacidosis or the less common alcoholic ketoacidosis), which is severe ketosis causing the pH of the blood to drop below 7.2.

Ketoacidosis is a medical condition usually caused by diabetes and accompanied bydehydration, hyperglycemia, ketonuria, and increased levels of glucagon. The high-glucagon, low-insulin serum levels signal the body to produce more glucose via gluconeogenesis and glycogenolysis, and ketone bodies via ketogenesis. High levels of glucose causes the failure of tubular reabsorption in the kidneys, causing water to leak into the tubules in a process called osmotic diuresis, causing dehydration and further exacerbating the acidosis.

Understanding Ketosis Symptoms

Many dieters develop ketosis symptoms that let them know ketones are present. For many people beginning a low-carb diet, ketosis kicks in after a few days with minimal carbohydrate intake. In fact, most low-carbohydrate plans have an initial phase in which dieters take in extremely low amounts of carbohydrates (usually less than 25 grams per day) in order to kick start ketosis.

You can test for the presence of ketones in the urine using ketosis strips. Many symptoms may also indicate that your body is in ketosis.

Early Stages

Ketosis symptoms change depending how long you've been in the state. In the early stages of ketosis, the symptoms may be a bit unpleasant. However, as your body adapts to the presence of ketones in the bloodstream, symptoms lessen and change. Early ketosis symptoms usually last for several days or up to a week in some people. This typically continues until the body is used to burning fat instead of glucose. After the several days, the levels of ketones in the body will lessen, but that does not mean you are no longer losing weight. It simply means your body has found a balance and is no longer producing excess ketones.

Early stage symptoms include the following:

• Tiredness or fatigue
• Headache
• Feeling thirsty all the time
• Dry mouth
• Ketosis breath, which smells vaguely fruity and not terribly pleasant
• Metallic taste in the mouth, particularly on the back of the tongue near the molars
• Weakness
• Dizziness
• Nausea or stomach ache
• Sleep problems
• Cold hands and feet
• Frequent urination

Ongoing States

As your body adapts to ketones, your symptoms may change or abate altogether. If you are using ketosis strips, your urine may still show ketones present, although probably in far lower concentrations. This is nothing to worry about. The amount of ketones in your urine does not correlate to the rate of weight loss.

As your body adapts to ketones, you may notice the following:

• A "buzzed" feeling
• Increased energy
• Normalized urination frequency
• Better sleep
• Euphoria
• Clear thinking

Sometimes low-carb dieters never seem to reach ketosis, or at least never have the urine test strips indicate excess ketones. This could be because exercising has used up the excess ketones or the urine is diluted from drinking a lot of water. This doesn't mean these people aren't burning fat, just that they aren't registering as technically being in ketosis.

Dealing with Ketosis Symptoms

Ketosis is a common part of low-carb dieting, but it isn't always a pleasant one. If you find yourself having trouble getting through this period, there are some things you can try that might ease symptoms:

• Snack regularly. Having a protein-rich snack like a piece of chicken may ease the headache and other symptoms.
• Take vitamins and minerals. Especially with the lack of fruits and vegetables on a low-carb diet, it's vital to take a good vitamin and mineral supplement to keep your body in a healthy balance.
• Try a protein shake. Protein shakes with amino acid supplements can also be helpful for reducing symptoms of ketosis and easing this transition. Many different kinds of amino drinks are available and often are marketed to body builders.
• Drink plenty of water, which will freshen breath and keep you hydrated.

Is Ketosis Dangerous?

Some suggest ketosis is an unhealthy condition. Studies show differently, however. A 1983 study published in Metabolism showed ketosis was well-tolerated. Anotherstudy in the Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism in 2002 showed ketosis had a positive effect on blood fats and did not increase risk of cardiovascular disease.

Ketosis Is a Signal

The most important thing to remember is that the unpleasant ketosis symptoms are temporary and will pass within a week or so. Try to focus on the fact that this less-than-perfect feeling is just a sign that you are burning fat and well on your way to losing weight.

Published By:

Angela Lumley

Sources:

http://www.news-medical.net/health/Ketosis-What-is-Ketosis.aspx

http://diet.lovetoknow.com/wiki/Ketosis_Symptoms

Water: The Body's Most Important Nutrient

Water is your body's most important nutrient, is involved in every bodily function, and makes up 70- 75% of your total body weight. Water helps you to maintain body temperature, metabolize body fat, aids in digestion, lubricates and cushions organs, transports nutrients, and flushes toxins from your body.

Everyone should drink at least 64 ounces per day, and if you exercise or are overweight, even more. Your blood is approximately 90% water and is responsible for transporting nutrients and energy to muscles and for taking waste from tissues.

If you are not getting enough water, your body will react by pulling it from other places, including your blood. This causes the closing of some smaller vessels (capillaries), making your blood thicker, more susceptible to clotting, and harder to pump through your system. This can have serious implications in hypertension, high cholesterol, and heart disease. Recent studies have also linked the lack of water to headaches, arthritis, and heartburn.

Have you have ever gotten up in the morning feeling bloated, or tried on a ring or shoe that fit yesterday but is too tight to wear today? Chances are your body is trying to tell you something. If you have a problem with water retention, excess salt may be the cause. Your body will tolerate a certain amount of sodium, however, the more salt you consume, the more fluid you need to dilute it. To overcome this problem, always drink plenty of water.

What if I told you that being dehydrated promotes the increase of body fat? Water contributes to energy storage along with glycogen. Without water, extra amounts of glucose remain in the bloodstream until reaching the liver, the extra glucose is stored as fat. Your body takes water from inside cells in an effort to compensate for a dehydrated state, including fat cells. Less water in your fat cells means less mobilization of fat for energy.

One of the liver's primary functions is to metabolize stored fat into energy. The kidneys are responsible for filtering toxins, wastes, ingested water, and salts out of the bloodstream. If you are dehydrated, the kidneys cannot function properly, and the liver must work overtime to compensate. As a result, it metabolizes less fat. So remember, if you are trying to decrease the amount of fat on your body, drink plenty of water.

Luckily, water is a great natural appetite suppressant. There are three ways we get water into our bodies. We get it from the foods we eat, the fluids we drink, and as a by-product of metabolism. It is always better to drink pure water instead of soda, tea, or coffee. These products actually increase your need for fluids because most contain caffeine, which is a diuretic. Diuretics force out stored water along with certain essential nutrients.

Unbelieveably, although unhealthy, the practice of dehydration is sometimes used in sports. Athletes may dehydrate in order to "make weight", competitive bodybuilders may dehydrate before a contest in order to look leaner and more muscular. This is a dangerous habit, as athletes and exercisers need more water than less active people. Reducing water in the body as little as 5% can result in as much as a 20-30% drop in your physical performance, 10% reduction can make you sick, and 20% can mean death. With water pollution on the rise, it is best to drink filtered or bottled water whenever possible.

Publishe By: Angela Lumley

Source: 

https://www.theragear.ca/article/water.php

The WOOSH

Of Whooshes and Squishy Fat

A few weeks back I answered a question about Not Losing Fat at a 20% Deficit, What Should I Do? and among other things, one comment I made had to do with a water retention that often occurs during fat loss which can mask fat loss and make it appear as if the diet is not working.  I also mentioned specifically that I had written (with a straight-face no less) about whooshes in The Stubborn Fat Solution, along with a related phenomenon which I call squishy fat.

In any case, to expand on that issue, I’m going to excerpt the chapter section from The Stubborn Fat Solution dealing with both phenomena.  With that introduction, I give you (again, with a straight face)…

Of Whooshes and Squishy Fat

Before you freak out and think you’ve entered some weird Internet forum where people talk about stalls and whooshes, please bear with me; there’s actually some physiological rationale to what I’m going to discuss.

Many people have noted that fat loss is often discontinuous, that is it often happens in stops and starts.  So you’ll be dieting and dieting and doing everything correctly with nothing to show for it.  Then, boom, almost overnight, you drop 4 pounds and look leaner.

What’s going on?  Back during my college days, one of my professors threw out the idea that after fat cells had been emptied of stored triglyceride, they would temporarily refill with water (glycerol attracts water, which might be part of the mechanism).  So there would be no immediate change in size, body weight or appearance. Then, after some time frame, the water would get dropped, the fat cells would shrink.  A weird way of looking at it might be that the fat loss suddenly becomes ‘apparent’. That is, the fat was emptied and burned off days or weeks ago but until the water is dropped, nothing appears to have happened.

For nearly 20 years I looked for research to support this, I was never sure if it was based on something from the 50’s or he just pulled it out of thin air as an explanation.  Recently, one paper did suggest that visceral fat can fill up with water after massive weight loss but that’s about it.

Somewhat circumstantially, people using Bio impedance body fat scales (which use hydration to estimate body fat levels) have noted that body fat appears to go up right before a big drop.  This implicates water balance as the issue here.

As well, women, who have more problems with water retention, seem to have bigger issues with stalls and whooshes than men.  Further, some individuals who have done dry carb-loads (high carbohydrate re feeds without drinking a lot of water) have seen them occur; presumably the body pulls water into the muscles and out of other tissues (fat cells).  In lean individuals, appearance is often drastically improved with this approach, it doesn’t do much for those carrying a lot of fat.

I’d note that dry carb-loads suck because you’re so damn thirsty.  Interestingly, even normal re feeds often work in this regards, perhaps the hormonal effect ‘tells’ the body to chill out and release some water.  So not only do re feeds seem to improve stubborn fat mobilization the next day (as discussed above), they may help the body drop some water so that you can see what is happening.

Finally, many have reported whooshes following an evening which included alcohol. A mild diuretic, this would also tend to implicate water balance issues in the whoosh phenomenon.

I’d also note that this isn’t universal, lean dieters often see visual improvements on a day to day basis; a lot seems to depend on whether or not they tend to retain water in general.  Folks who do have problems with water retention tend to have stalls and whooshes, those who don’t show nice consistent visual changes.

On a related topic, I wanted to discuss something else that often happens when people are getting very lean and dealing with stubborn body fat: the fat gets squishy, feeling almost like there are small marbles under the skin.  Yes, very scientific, I know. That’s the best I can do.

As folks get very lean, down to the last pounds of fat, the skin and fat cells that are left will often change appearance and texture.  It will look dimply (as the fat cells which are supporting the skin shrink and the skin isn’t supported) and feel squishy to the touch. This is bad in that it looks really weird, but it’s good because it means that the fat is going away.  I have nothing truly profound to say about this topic, just realizes that it happens and usually indicates good things are happening.

Published By:

Angela Lumley

Source:http://www.bodyrecomposition.com/fat-loss/of-whooshes-and-squishy-fat.html

11 Foods High in Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates can cause problems for the dieter as well as for anyone at risk for diabetes. For some people, carbohydrates can lead to a digestive imbalance which can cause serious problems in many systems in the body. While some carbohydrates create more of a glycemic spike than others or cause more health problems than others, any food with a high carbohydrate content can cause the body to hold onto fat and go into an overproduction of insulin. If you are trying to lose weight, it's best to aim for no more than a net of 80 grams of carbohydrates a day and to try to avoid sudden spikes in blood sugar. Here are 11 foods that are especially high incarbohydrates.

1. High Fructose Corn Syrup

Even though it is made from corn, this is one of the worst ingredients for your health. It is a highly processed food that packs on the pounds because it makes you want more sugar and it is very high in calories. It has also been implicated in problems with the liver.

2. Soda

One can of soda can contain 36 or more grams of carbohydrates. And that's all in empty calories with no fiber or other nutrition so it's an immediate glycemic spike.

3. Jam and Jelly

Even all-fruit jam or jelly is mostly sugar. It's certainly a better choice than jam with added sugar, but should still be used sparingly.

4. Bananas

While high in fiber and potassium, one banana contains 23.9 net carbs. Bananas contain the highest sugar content of any fruit.

5. Apples

Apples are great for you in many ways. But if you are trying to watch your carbohydrate intake, go for a strawberry or some kiwi instead. One apple contains about 21 grams of carbohydrates.

6. Bread

Even whole grain bread has around 20 grams of carbohydrates in one slice. The number is even higher for white bread. Limit your bread intake and try using a large chard leaf or a seaweed wrap instead.

7. Pasta

White flour or seminola pasta is a high-glycemic food. Try quinoa pasta or buckwheat pasta instead and measure out the portion carefully.

8. Fruit Juices

When you drink your fruit instead of eating it, you miss out on the fiber that lowers the glycemic impact of the food. Moreover, people rarely just drink the half cup of fruit juice that equals one whole serving of fruit. A smoothie is usually much more than half a cup and often contains other ingredients with added sugar like frozen yogurt.

9. Desserts

Even a healthy piece of pie with agave instead of sugar can really pack on thecarbohydrates. Make your own desserts using Stevia or whole fruit as a sweetener.

10. Starchy Vegetables

Peas, acorn squash, and corn can contain up to 30 grams of carbohydrates per cup. Choose green leafy vegetables or broccoli instead.

11. Granola and Other Cereals

Cereal can be a healthy way to start the day, but measure out the amount and be aware of the carb content. Granola especially can typically contain added sugar and dried fruits, which can both add up to an even higher carb content.

Published By: 

Angela Lumley

Sources:

http://www.fitday.com/fitness-articles/nutrition/healthy-eating/11-foods-high-in-carbohydrates.html#b

The ADHD Diet: Understanding Food Cravings

Food Cravings: Emotional, Mental or Physical Stress!

Food cravings can easily sabotage your attempts to create a balanced ADHD diet. They are usually the result of some form of stress being put on your system. This can be: 

• Physical Stress - lack of or excessive exercise, malnutrition etc…
• Emotional Stress - grief, anger or other unresolved emotional issues
• Mental Stress - excessive work pressure, over-thinking, worrying etc…

Whichever type of stress you're experiencing, your body may try to correct the situation by prompting you to eat certain foods. On the other hand, some cravings are self-created habits that have become part of your daily routine. For example, if you were raised in a home where eating candy was a daily habit, your body will have become habituated to this ritual, resulting in cravings over time.

Address the Underlying Cause First

Before we discuss the physiology of cravings, it bears mentioning that many cravings have deeper causes. Unresolved emotional issues can cause stress on many levels. You may push yourself too hard at work, force yourself to follow a strenuous exercise routine or engage in unhealthy perfectionism. These energy blocks can come out in many ways and trigger cravings.

If these underlying issues are not resolved, cravings will persist. Take a minute or five to still your mind and check in with yourself as to why these cravings plague you. There may be areas of your life that are out of balance and require adjustment. Don't underestimate the power of your subconscious mind and its desire to find peace. If you allow an opening for an answer to come through, it most likely will.

The Physiology of Sweet Cravings

The body often craves sweet foods and carbohydrates in an attempt to regulate serotonin levels in the brain. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that helps regulate mood amongst other things. When we are angry, sad or overworked, we may turn to sweet foods to elevate our mood and help us cope. 

This is an important issue to consider when creating a balanced ADHD diet. Many people with ADHD are self-medicating by eating sugary foods - an unconscious means of balancing out their serotonin levels. Sugar also provides the body with a temporary energy boost. This subconscious ‘kick start’ is another reason why people with ADHD often crave sweets. Unfortunately, most people go for foods high in refined sugar vs. healthy carbohydrates. Though this creates an initial sugar high, the long-term effects of consuming refined sugars only serve to aggravate ADHD symptoms.

If you're trying to create a balanced ADHD diet, minimizing refined sugars is an absolute must! Too much sugar triggers the adrenal glands, and activated adrenal glands secrete adrenaline. This puts the body into fight-or-flight response. Moreover, insulin levels skyrocket as the body is trying to maintain healthy blood sugar levels. This process depletes the adrenal glands causing anxiety, nervousness and other ADHD symptoms.

NOTE! Refined sugar is an incredibly addictive substance - the more you eat it, the more you crave it… and vice versa. Minimizing your refined sugar intake will reduce and eventually eliminate sweet cravings! 

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How to Eliminate that Sweet Tooth

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• Replace Sugary foods in your ADHD diet.
  Eat healthy carbs and foods high in tryptophan - check out which healthy alternatives naturally regulate serotonin. Complex carbs and foods high in tryptophan naturally regulate mood and energy levels in the body. It may take a few weeks and a bit of willpower, but over time the sugar cravings are guaranteed to subside.
• Be conscious of sugar withdrawal symptoms.
  These include mood swings, dizziness, fatigue, palpitations, shaking, and sweating. Luckily, these symptoms subside after about two weeks.
• Avoid skipping meals. This will keep your insulin levels balanced and subsequently you’ll avoid cravings. Also, listen to your body and refrain from overeating.
• Regular exercise. This is another must to keep your ADHD brain in top shape and elevate your mood. 
• Introduce a sweet moment into your ADHD diet. There may be times when you buckle under the pressure of a sugar craving. If this happens, don’t deprive yourself. This will only cause frustration. It's better to indulge in the occasional sweet moment than to binge after weeks of deprivation. After the indulgence, always renew your intention to minimize sugary foods!
• Avoid eating too much salt. High salt intake creates sweet cravings. Be mindful of the salt content in processed foods. Check labels for sodium levels.
• Keep your acid-alkaline balance in check. Mineral depletion caused by acidosis can also cause food cravings along with many ADHD symptoms.
• On a psychological level, sweet cravings may indicate that you are not being kind or ‘sweet’ enough towards yourself.
  Make room for quality ME-time. Organize your schedule so that you can experience some things you enjoy. Replace any negative self-talk with loving and nurturing words. 
• Get enough rest. When the body is tired, carb/sugar cravings kick in. Check in with yourself - are you really hungry or does your body need some rest?

The Physiology of Salt Cravings

Indulging in salty foods can also exhaust the adrenal glands. This mechanism works both ways; you may crave salt (sodium) when you are stressed, but consuming too much of it conversely stresses the body. On a purely physiological level, craving salt can also be the result of dehydration. Many people with ADHD have relatively high stress levels and daily stress quickly drains the nervous system. Salt cravings are one way the body attempts to correct this imbalance. Another ADHD symptom related to excess salt intake is hypertension. These are all reasons enough to even things out a bit.

Healthy Ways to Correct a Salt Imbalance

• Don’t eliminate salt from your ADHD diet - salt is an essential mineral. If you are accustomed to eating a lot of salt you may need to cut back a little. Keep in mind that many processed foods already contain a fair amount of salt. Eating whole foods is the best way to avoid excessive salt in the body. 
• Be mindful of your blood pressure - people with high blood pressure tend to have elevated blood sodium levels, while people with low blood pressure tend to have decreased levels. Depending on which category you are in, you may need more or less salt.
• Give your body time to adjust to a lower salt-intakediet - salty foods can desensitize the taste buds. If you're trying to lower your salt intake, give your taste buds a few weeks to 'heal'.
• Use Celtic Sea Salt, Himalayan Salt or Sesame Salt - while regular table salt is acidic, these alternatives have an alkalizing effect on the body. Another reason to avoid regular table salt is because it robs the body of important minerals. 
• Eat foods rich in vitamin C to reduce emotional and physical stress - go for foods like bell peppers, citrus fruits, parsley, broccoli, kiwi and strawberries.
• Eat foods rich in potassium - potassium naturally balances the metabolic action of sodium. Potatoes, lentils, spinach, bananas, carrots, prunes, beans and green leafy vegetables help restore the body’s sodium-potassium balance. 
• Take a breather whenever you can – relaxing is essential to both physical and mental health.
• Limit coffee intake – I know, coffee is absolutely delicious. Unfortunately, it's extremely dehydrating and makes those adrenals kick in big time - stress guaranteed! Therefore, try to stick to a maximum of two cups a day.
• Drink enough water - if you eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, which already contain a lot of water, 8 big glasses a day should be more than enough. Keep in mind that the amount of water a person needs also depends on their body weight. Don’t go to extremes since drinking too much water exhausts the kidneys

• Again, remember to keep your acid-alkaline balance in check to avoid mineral depletion and aggravating ADHD symptoms.

Published By:

Angela Lumley

Sources:

http://www.holistic-healing-for-adhd.com/ADHD-diet-craving.html