Low Sodium with Blood Pressure and weight loss

Question: I'm 21, 5'3", currently at 156 lbs. Right now I wear a size 10 pretty much everywhere, some tight 8's, some 12's. I want to get down to 125-130.

I'm starting to lift weights (2 muscle groups a day, 6 days a week) and do cardio (30min-1hr) every day.

My problem is this: Sodium. I had a problem where when I worked out I would pass out, and after extensive testing it was determined that it was being caused by low blood pressure. I was prescribed sodium pills and told to eat as much sodium as possible and salt everything I eat, and I feel like that is going to keep me from losing weight. Since I went on the pills I've gone from 148 to 158 since January. Any ideas?

also, I'm currently consuming about 1200 calories a day. Is that too few with the workout? 

Probably too few, Yes...

Sodium increases your water retention... I'd say you could drink more water to flush out the excess sodium, but I'm worried that your body might need all the sodium it can get...

But yes, you're probably not eating enough...

If you need to up your sodium intake, that doesn't have to be detrimental.  Make sure you drink plenty of water and you might want to take a potassium supplement.  Sodium and potassium kind of balance each other out.  I tend to eat a lot of salt, I crave it.  I have often thought that a reason for this is due to having blood pressure on the low side.  But I never heard of a doc perscribing it before, that's so freaky!

I think you are probably eating too few calories for your exercise routine.  Log everything and look at your calorie deficit.  Even with the exercise, you should be aiming for a 500-800 calorie deficit, 100 at the very most.

I strongly suggest that you consult your doctor or pharmacist before adding any sort of supplement.

Are you passing out during or after exercising? Your blood pressure normally increases during exercise...systolic tends to rise while diastolic usually remains constant or lowers a few points. After exercising your blood pressure drops. The quicker you stop activity the more dramatic the decrease in blood pressure. I have hypertension and the medication I'm on lowers my pressure to ~105/65 when resting. It tends to drop down to 85/55 after I exercise IF I don't cool down gradually. After much research and three doctors I've learned that gradual cool down reduces the drop in blood pressure. I have to walk around the house/gym for about 20 minutes after I exercise because if I don't lower my heart rate gradually I feel like I'm going to faint.

Definitly talk to your doctor.

It will not cause you to gain fat.  All it does is help you to retain water.  Water does weigh a lot, but it's only water, which will pass through your system, not fat which has to be burned off.

It seems your doctors think your low blood pressure is caused by dehydration.  Drink lots of water and do have some salt to help your body hold on to the water.

Good Luck!

Hi Whitney

I also have had bouts of extremely low blood pressure my Dr. also recomended the increase in sodium and I drank a gallon of water a day this helps increase your body fluids I felt tons better however this does not adress the underlying issue. It turns out I was sub-clinical hypothyroid and I had low morning cortisol both of these can effect our blood pressure so it may be something to talk to your Dr. about. Be sure to get your actually test results yourself because many Drs. do not treat sub-clinical thyroid issues and I suffered for years untill I found a Dr. who did.

Other than that keep up the salt and lots and lots of water.

good luck and keep us posted as to how ou are doing.

Oh one other thing. I  also agree with canon I had to warm up very very slowly with a heart rate moniter and cool down very very slowly to help lessen the sudden drop in blood pressure after ex. and I found that I had to keep my heart rate very low for a long time and build up much more gradually than other people.

again, good luck