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Date: | Thu, 23 Aug 2001 14:53:12 -0400 |
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Dori Zook asked about leg cramps and possible nutritional causes. It is
possible that they are the result of excess dietary sodium relative to
potassium. This is incredibly common among people eating modern diets
(whether vegetarian or omnivorous). Having a high ratio of sodium to
potassium interferes with the body's sodium-potassium pumps and can cause
problems, regardless of whether someone has high blood pressure or not.
It would do no harm to increase vegetables and fruits and decrease (and
ideally eliminate) added salt (table salt, salted condiments, salted canned,
processed, boxed, frozen, and bottled foods, etc.). The book, THE SALT
SOLUTION would be good reading for your friend/neighbor. When Cordain's
book comes out, he'll shed more light on the sodium potassium situation.
Cheers,
Rachel
Btw: For those who are wanting to lose weight or at a stuck point, consider
eliminating salt from your diet. You may be amazed to drop 4 or 5 pounds
rapidly. Sodium raises insulin levels and causes water retention. It also
interferes with the operation of the bodies sodium-potassium pumps when we
take in too little potassium relative to sodium and exceed the ideal ratio.
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