Berkhamstead Sports

If you’re training for a long run, here’s what you should know about, it’s one of the most important electrolytes, according to new research.

Undertaking intense exercise you will need to consume sodium, one of the main electrolytes to help your performance. Too much can also be a problem. When your sodium intake is too high, it can cause lightheadedness when you stand up.

As a guide, no more than than 2,300 milligrams of sodium per day to reduce the risk of lightheadedness when training intensly, this also help issues like high blood pressure.

As runners, we know that electrolytes help us fuel our miles. One of the most common being sodium. If you don’t get enough, you might experience things like muscle cramps or spasms, loss of energy, and nausea.

It’s also worth remembering that you lose electrolytes every time you sweat, so try to make up for it by adding more to your diet. That said, remember that over intake of salty foods, even if you generally eat a healthy diet can lead to side effects, according to a new study in the US.

At the end of the day, whilst salt is necessary when you are running, too much of it puts you at risk for health issues. These include lightheadedness and high blood pressure, which are dangerous if left unchecked.

Always remember to ensure your liquids are also kept high, as adding salt to the diet but not increasing your water intake, can also have detrimental effects.

If you are worried about your diet whilst you’re training, speak to a dietitian and always listen to your body. For quick snacks in between training, why not pop in the shop and take a look at some of our trusted and favoured brands.

Happy Running!

Berkhamsted Sports | Salt Intake | Runners | Running Diet

Credit: Runners World