How to Burn Off Sodium

Sodium is a mineral essential to human life, but like most things in the diet, it requires a balance. Too much sodium, commonly thought of as table salt, may lead to high blood pressure, water retention and extra work for the kidneys and heart. Too little sodium may lead to confusion, muscle cramps and headaches. If you are taking in too much sodium, learning how to burn it off may help keep your levels in balance.

Step 1

Drink at least eight 8-oz. glasses of cold water daily. Sodium is drawn to water and the two bind together and head through the bloodstream to your kidneys, where the excess will be released in urine. Not only will cold water flush out excess sodium, it may help your body burn calories in the process while mobilizing fat stores.

Step 2

Exercise for at least 30 minutes a day. Cardiovascular exercise gets your heart pumping, which increases the circulation of blood and nutrients. The blood volume is more rapidly circulated through your kidneys, where the excess sodium is removed from the blood.

Step 3

Avoid overworking your kidneys with an ounce of prevention. Keep your sodium intake well under the recommended limit of 2,300 mg per day. If you eat just 1 tsp. of salt you will exceed that limit, because that amount of table salt contains about 2,325 mg of sodium, MayoClinic.com warns.

Tips and Warnings

Limit your sodium to 1,500 mg a day if you are older than 51 years.
Discuss your sodium intake with your doctor, who can give advice on diet modification and other lifestyle changes that may address the issue.