I'm new---On salt restriction...help!!

[milesymommy]

I was never put on a salt restricted diet, but my family has a history of high BP and my dad has been on a salt restricted diet since I was 2. So I try to watch my sodium intake, since I have a family history.
I am a big fan of salt restriction (most people get two to three times their RDA every day!!!), but I would also caution that baby needs some sodium in his diet too, so make sure you are getting a minimal amount.
ps - Amy's makes a low sodium line of frozen foods that I love :)

[marialynn242]

how much salt did the doctor tell you was a healthy intake

[muddmomma2]

Well, I am back from my MFM appointment and baby Alaina is growing wonderfully :) She has already passed my son's birth weight and we are only 27 weeks + 3 days--wow, still hard to believe!!! She weighed 2 lbs. 8 oz. and he weighed 2 lbs. 7 oz. when he was born at 29 Weeks! EVERYTHING looked great! I did have trace amounts of protien showing, but just bearly! BP reading was good! I asked about the sodium again and she said she was pretty sure I was getting enough and to keep doing what I am doing. We have to realize that there is salt in almost everything. So by the time I add up everything I eat in a day I should be getting plenty, and an amount that seems to work well with my body!

I count the soduim in EVERYTHING from bread, milk, eggs, to fresh meats---so in the end I am still getting a fair amount! For example, if I were to have toast with breakfast, a sandwhich with lunch, and a dinner roll at supper--that is already roughly 600 mgs of salt in bread alone :(

I have also cut out all condements (except for soduim free ketchep), cheese, all processed foods, and any thing else with excess salt!!!----this has been working wonderfully for me!

[caryn]

Here's what our Experts have said about low-salt diets (very little):

http://www.preeclampsia.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=17822
http://www.preeclampsia.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=20261
http://www.preeclampsia.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1826

It's my understanding that the big studies have shown no effect from salt restriction, but that some chronic hypertensives are known to be salt-sensitive and will usually continue those dietary restrictions in pregnancy. When I was ill no one suggested restricting my sodium intake, for what that's worth!

[muddmomma2]

I also wanted to add just for clarification purposes that my blood pressure has been wonderful up until about 22 1/2 weeks...so I do not think I am considered chronic...ohh myy..who knows!!!!

[muddmomma2]

so weird...even when I was in the hospital with pre-e and extremely high blood pressure I was on a no sodium liquid deit....I was on liquids I guess, because they assumed they would deliver me soon. Maybe hospitals and doctors differ of course, but I wouldn't think they would differ that much---something to ponder about I guess---thanks for everones replies!!! :)

[lilillini]

quote:Originally posted by patty

Not heard that before, I know salt is an issue for some chronic hypertensives, not sure that it helps with pre-e though. I know even when I was hospitalized with severe pre-e I was on a regular diet not a low sodium one.


Same here - I was in the hospital with pre-e for 3 weeks and was allowed an unrestricted diet.

[patty]

Not heard that before, I know salt is an issue for some chronic hypertensives, not sure that it helps with pre-e though. I know even when I was hospitalized with severe pre-e I was on a regular diet not a low sodium one.

[montgjules]

I offered with my OB and he said, "Nah.. doesn't matter that much." Ha ha... so I just eat normally. :) I was a bit surprised by his reply.

[muddmomma2]

Thanks, I have a MFM appointment on Monday so hopefully I can clarify things--- I guess I haven't completely cut it out, but it is pretty close. I was curiious as to what others were told and would love some thoughts from those who have had similiar experiences--- So Thanks Again!