Deborah Birkett <[log in to unmask]> asked:
>>Would excess dietary sodium relative to potassium also contribute to menstrual
cramps?

My reply:
I don't know the answer to that; however, if the sodium to potassium ratio
is too high, it will effect the sodium potassium pumps found in every cell
of your body.  So, conceivably, it could affact cramping of any muscles,
including uterine muscles.  It would not hurt to reduce your salt intake to
a bare minimum, eliminating fish canned with salt, salted and cured meats,
salted olives, anchovies, and using herbs, spices, and sea vegetables to
spice up your food. Buying salt-free tomato products (if you buy anything
canned!).  Cordain suggests using lemon granules too.  You can buy lemon
pepper, which contains the granules.  Read lables, many spice and herb
blends contain salt or MSG.  You want to avoid these.

Sea vegetables sometimes taste a bit salty but do not contain much sodium;
the other minerals in the seaweeds contribute to a slightly salty taste.
There are many varieties of sea vegetables from which to choose, some
harvested in the U.S., others from Japan or New Zealand or Australia.  The
flavors and textures of different varieties differ.

You will likely also benefit from increasing your vegetables or veg and
fruit consumption as well---focusing on low to moderate glycemic veggies and
fruits for daily/major use.

Best of health,

Rachel
(with a paleo cookbook in the works!)