What's so bad about sodium??

I know, this must be a reallly stupid question to many of you.... *ashamed*. I've heard that sodium will make you retain water and gain weight, but since it's only water weight, we're not actually gaining weight, are we? I thought our body will pass out the excessive water we retained eventually through sweating/urination...etc? I would really appreciate it if someone could enlighten me on this. Thanks!

If you do not drink enough water throughout the day, your body will go into survival mode.  This means that your body's natural tendency is to hold onto water and store it because it is not getting enough from outside sources.  When your body does this, it stores the water beneath your skin and on top of your muscles. 

This water retention can then obscure your muscle definition and make you look softer than you really are.  It can also easily be mistaken for fat.  And yes, it does add unecessary weight to your body. 

Sodium has a tendency to cause a need for more water being retained within your body.  The only way to combat this is to either take in less sodium and/or drink an adequate supply of water throughout each day to rid your body of any sort of water retention.

The most important thing is to drink enough water...you do this and you won't have to worry so much about water retention and you'll keep that unecessary water weight off your body.

-Todd

PS:  It wasn't a stupid question at all.... rather a very good question that I am sure will help a lot of others out! :)

yes, not a stupid question at all.. It's nice to get more knowledge on every subject..

Here's an article from the Mayo Clinic on sodium... 

Nice article!  Good post!

-Todd

I think the real issue underlying sodium is that too much of it can cause high blood pressure, which can then lead to cardiovascular and kidney diseases.  Most people consume waaay too much sodium, which is why people on this site make such a huge point of making sure you watch your sodium. 

Yes, it does lead to water retention, but you're right in that you're not actually 'gaining weight' (assuming that by 'gaining weight' you meant 'gaining fat').  The water weight is the 'cosmetic' issue with sodium; the 'real' issue is the high blood pressure and health conditions that result from it.

WOW. Great article thanks, I am very sensitive to sodium I swell up like a blimp after a day of only 2000 mg. That was a great question I always knew Sodium was bad but never knew why. Thanks all

This is a GREAT QUESTION and a Great answer. I realize I have way more sodium than I need on a daily basis. However, I drink more than enough water and exercise plenty. One thing I notice is that, after my workout I look more rip, but, the amount of water I drink during my workout is also plenty. The best result is 2 hours or the following day. I can see all my abs.