SODIUM and its effects on gaining Strength and Muscle.

Listen, guys, as an overall fitness enthusiast, I have always been on the lookout for ways to improve my performance and increase my gains! One element that I have found to be particularly important in this regard is sodium.

Many people think of sodium as something to avoid, given its reputation for contributing to high blood pressure and other health issues. However, when it comes to strength training and performance, sodium can actually be extremely beneficial.

First and foremost, sodium is essential for maintaining proper hydration. When we sweat, we lose water and electrolytes, including sodium. If we don’t replace these electrolytes, our bodies can become dehydrated, which can lead to a whole host of problems, including fatigue, muscle cramps, and even impaired cognitive function. Remember Lebron James in the playoffs a few years back… those cramps were totally preventable…

Simply by ensuring that I am adequately hydrated on an intercellular level, especially 20 minutes before training, I have found that I am able to perform at my best and push myself harder during my workouts. I accomplish this by taking in approximately 1 teaspoon of salt (1 gram) with a glass of water before heading out to the gym. by doing this, I also feel I recover quicker after training, which has allowed me to be locked and loaded for my next session, ready to give 110% effort.

But the benefits of sodium don’t end there. In addition to helping with hydration, sodium is also essential for maintaining proper muscle function. Sodium ions play a critical role in the contraction and relaxation of muscle fibers, and a deficiency of sodium can lead to muscle fatigue and impaired performance.

I have personally experienced the impact of sodium on my muscle function firsthand. After incorporating more sodium into my diet, I noticed a marked improvement in my strength and power. I was able to add pounds to my bench press, deadlift, and squat, and I felt like I had more energy and endurance during my workouts.

One addition that I have found to be particularly effective in my recovery, specifically, is to salt my post workout shake loaded with fructose, replacing glycogen and electrolytes as quickly as possible after training.  There are products are specifically designed to replace the electrolytes that are lost through sweat, but I like to make my own. ; )

I take some vegan protein, an orange (fructose), 1.5 cups of oats, salt, and some water, blend, and im good to go. Try it out… just make sure not to go over your calories!

Of course, it’s important to be mindful of your overall sodium intake and not overdo it; make sure your sodium intake is in balance with the rest of the key electrolytes; calcium, potassium, and magnesium.

In conclusion, I’ve mentioned that I have personally experienced the benefits of sodium for strength training and performance, and I believe that it is an important consideration for anyone looking to improve their athletic performance.

I have been able to perform 25 percent better and make significant progress in my strength training goals, all by adding sodium.

If you are an athlete, I would suggest at the very least salting your food to taste. This can help ensure that you are getting enough sodium to support proper hydration and muscle function, which can in turn lead to better performance in the gym or on the field. Just be sure to pay attention to your overall sodium intake and consult with a doc if you have any concerns.