Expert Answer
How much sodium should you have per day?
Quick Answer
Context-dependent. Huberman: 1,600-3,200mg for healthy active adults. Attia: restrict if blood pressure >120/80 — high sodium triggers fructose production. Johnson avoids sodium entirely. Check your blood pressure first.
Moderate Consensus
on Electrolytes overall
What Researchers Say
1,600-3,200mg for healthy active adults. Sodium is essential for every nerve impulse.
High sodium triggers fructose production via polyol pathway. Restrict if hypertensive.
Uses sodium-free salt substitutes. Experienced severe cramps from electrolyte depletion during sauna experiment.
Detailed Answer
Sodium intake depends heavily on blood pressure and activity level. Huberman recommends 1,600-3,200mg for healthy active adults, noting sodium is essential for every nerve impulse. He provides the Galpin equation for exercise: body weight (lbs) / 30 = ounces of fluid every 15-20 minutes.
Attia provides the counterpoint: high sodium triggers endogenous fructose production, contributing to hypertension. He recommends restriction as a first-line intervention if blood pressure is above 120/80.
Johnson avoids sodium entirely, using potassium chloride substitutes. Hyman warns that over-drinking plain water without electrolytes dangerously dilutes blood minerals.
Related Questions
Should I supplement electrolytes during fasting?
Yes. Huberman recommends electrolyte supplementation especially during fasting and exercise to maintain neuronal function.
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