Ask the doctor: Exercise and sodium

Q. If you exercise daily (and sweat), can you have more than the daily recommended limit of sodium?

A. The simple answer is "Yes," but it really depends on how much you exercise and sweat, and how much sodium already is in your diet. Sodium in our diet comes largely from salt (sodium chloride). You need to have enough sodium in your diet each day to keep up with the sodium you lose in your urine and sweat. It is recommended that most adults ages 50 or younger have no more than 2,300 milligrams (mg) per day of sodium. For people 51 or older, for African Americans of any age, and for people with diabetes, high blood pressure, or kidney disease, the recommended level is 1,500 mg per day.