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General Fitness & Nutrition: Salt Packets - a good way to increase salt intake?

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    • CommentAuthorFree Memberfinchden
    • CommentTimeApr 18th 2009
     
    finchden
    I'm a new and very sweaty runner. Seriously, post-run I've got a fine layer of white salt on my skin, swollen hands and a headache. I'm training for a 10k and going very easy - and being careful to hydrate with Gatorade/water before and after my runs. After reading many posts here, I think I need to increase my salt intake more and have read that salt packets (like from McDonalds) are a quick and cheap way to do this. My question is: Do you really just rip open a packet of salt and swallow it? How often do you take one? I'm registered for a marathon in October and entering a hot summer for training, so I feel I need to figure out the salt intake issue before the heat and humidity of Toronto descends. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
    • CommentAuthorFree Memberlgillen
    • CommentTimeApr 18th 2009
     
    lgillen
    You can use the salt packets from fast food restaurants. I used them for a marathon. You may see if you can get high endurance Gatorade too, it's made with more salt than typical Gatoade. I also use Sport Beans Jelly Beans by Jelly Bellys (www.jellybelly.com). They are made to carry with you if you can get to water. As for your training for a marathon in heat, I trained for NYC and I live in NJ so I know what you're talking about with a hot summer. I did my long training runs very early in the morning...before the sun was up! I would go out abot 5:30 am before the heat set in. It was worth it and you have a few good miles under your belt before the day begins...Good Luck!
    • CommentAuthorFree Membertbhanley
    • CommentTimeApr 19th 2009
     
    tbhanley

    I've had success with Succeed! sport caps, www.succeedscaps.com.  The directions state to take one to two per hour during exercise.  There is also a lot of good information on their web site on proper hydration and electrolyte balance.

     Check out the electrolyte balance table to better understand what's happening to you when you exercise to maintain proper balance of fluid and electrolyte, www.succeedscaps.com/Ninebox.html

     Just my $0.02

    Tom

    • CommentAuthorFree MemberChris_M
    • CommentTimeApr 19th 2009
     
    Chris_M
    I have used salt packets before but only as a last resort.  I would find something else that tastes a little better.  Because I don't know about you but I sometimes gag when I take in salt like that.
    • CommentAuthorFree Memberfinchden
    • CommentTimeApr 19th 2009
     
    finchden
    Great info! Thanks a lot for the advice everyone. I'm glad to know I'm not crazy in thinking that eating a packet of salt is as disgusting as it sounds. I'm going to try the alternatives suggested.
    • CommentAuthorFree MemberBendy
    • CommentTimeMay 17th 2009
     
    Bendy
    If you are eating an typical American diet, you definately don't need to increase your salt intake.
    • CommentAuthorFree MemberLinkLubken
    • CommentTimeMay 18th 2009
     
    LinkLubken

    finchden-- If you want  an honest electrolyte replacement drink that literally mimics the blood’s concentration of sodium and potassium, the two electrolytes critical to metabolism and organ function try Vitalyte. I have tried many replacement drinks, and this is my fevorite. No unnecessary sugars, no empty calories, no artificial coloring, and for me no upset stomach. Check it out here, http://www.vitalyte.com/

    Hammer Nutrition makes a product called Endurolytes. It comes in capsule or powder form, it works but I think it's a little pricey. Check it out here, http://www.hammernutrition.com/za/HNT?PAGE=HOME

    Good luck with your marathon training!

  8.  
    Dangerman.jp
    LinkLubken was heading in the right direction.  Hammer Nutrition makes a lot of wonderful products.  As for the original question, there is only one answer: no, salt packets are NEVER a good idea. 

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