Discussions

My husband has been told after a recent check-up that he has low sodium. His doctor has suggested he drink less water but he is having a hard time with that. He is still very active and needs those fluids. Has anyone else had problems with this and has found another way to correct it. He has been told not to use table salt to raise the levels. Any information is appreciated.

Coconut water contains sodium and is very good for dehydration. Switch out regular water for that. If he likes olives they are really high in sodium.

Is the easiest way to get more sodium. It doesn’t take much. Keep track of how much liquid is consumed. If he is drinking an excess amount that will lower his sodium levels as he is basically drowning himself. Maybe call a dietitian and she/he can calculate how much fluid he needs. Use that as a guide to keep fluid intake reasonable. I see lots of people with those huge water jugs. While water is good for you. You can get too much of a good thing which can harm your body

There is no harm in using a little table salt

Why does your husband have low sodium? There's lots of things that can cause that beyond "drinking too much water", especially as we age. Did the doc check liver and kidney function? Adrenal glands? Hormone levels? Does your husband take medications?  
 
I would go back to the doctor and request an examination to determine cause. Most of those things can be checked via blood test. If he's checked those and there's no cause, explain what the issue is and why.  
 
In the interim, maybe keep track of how much your husband drinks and what his output is like (colour, frequency, approx quantity etc). That might be a clue as to whether water is in fact the issue.  
 
He can also drink sports drinks. They have water (obviously) but also electrolytes including sodium. They also have calories, so he might need to adjust how much he's eating slightly if he starts gaining weight.  
 
Good luck!

Does he take any type of diuretic or blood pressure medication? I also was told I had low sodium and to drink less water . I did that but it never helped. The dosage of the diuretic was cut in half, and my sodium level has been good ever since.  
As a side note, the doctor I was seeing said it wouldn’t be the medication. After months of being told this and my sodium levels being low, I went to another doctor. His first thought was the diuretic and he lowered the dosage and the problem was solved.

The OP was told by the Doctor not to substitute with table salt

Sodium from food or fluids is all the same whether you eat processed salty foods, add table salt/kosher/sea salt or drink gatorade. Table salt has simply gotten a bad rap because people use too much of it. In my experience physicians give bad nutrition advice and the OP should talk with a dietitian. In fact the physician should have referred this man to a dietitian rather than giving a blanket comment to avoid table salt and not offering any other advice on where else to get sodium.  
 
In truth the OP did not give enough information and we need to respect their confidentiality around the health issues this man may have. But with out that information it is impossible for people to give sound advice. Again the reason behind my advice to go see a dietitian who can help you work through the best way to increase your sodium based on your health needs.  
 
To the OP: Doreen I sent you a private message.  
 
Edited by Spades!!, 2022-03-20 09:49:28

My husband would like to thank you all for the suggestions and advice.