Susan's Place Transgender Resources

Community Conversation => Transitioning => Hormone replacement therapy => Topic started by: Coffeedrew on December 17, 2018, 04:41:20 PM

Title: Low Salt intake.
Post by: Coffeedrew on December 17, 2018, 04:41:20 PM
Well, I guess, I under-estimated my salt intake. I was having problems after exercising and unloading the truck at my job. I decided to buy pickles, and I'm glad to say that after increasing my salt intake I feel normal!!
I  want to thank the couple of members I mentioned it to for being easy to reach out to.
@Alaskan Danielle
@Dena
Title: Re: Low Salt intake.
Post by: Northern Star Girl on December 17, 2018, 05:08:51 PM
Quote from: Coffeedrew on December 17, 2018, 04:41:20 PM
Well, I guess, I under-estimated my salt intake. I was having problems after exercising and unloading the truck at my job. I decided to buy pickles, and I'm glad to say that after increasing my salt intake I feel normal!!
I  want to thank the couple of members I mentioned it to for being easy to reach out to.
@Alaskan Danielle
@Dena

@Coffeedrew
Dear Drew:
When taking HRT or any meds it is very important to stay hydrated, drink lots of water and fluids even if you don't feel excessively thirsty... this helps to flush toxins out of your body.

Salt seems to be a subject of interest and salt cravings are a part of HRT especially if the HRT regimen includes Spironolactone ... which is not only a necessary T-Blocker but it is
also a diuretic, a water pill which eliminates water (and salt) in the body, therefore your body then wants to replace those things... thirst and salt cravings ensue....

Also, when dehydrated, you are more subject to muscle cramps, particularly in your legs, and unfortunately at night when you are trying to sleep...  many nights I when I wake up with leg cramps I will go get a large glass of water, eat a pickle or two... and if the cramps continue I will even take a small drink of pickle juice... it really does help.

My salt cravings don't just stop at pickles... not only dill pickles, but also olives, potato chips, salty nuts and salty foods in general....

Hugs,
Danielle
Title: Re: Low Salt intake.
Post by: Joelene9 on December 18, 2018, 12:25:48 PM
Be careful with the salt when taking Spiro. I was cited twice by my doctor due to out of range low sodium levels! My doctor said to increase my salt intake, but not to go overboard! You don't want to overload your kidneys!

Joelene
Title: Re: Low Salt intake.
Post by: Coffeedrew on December 18, 2018, 01:42:22 PM
Quote from: Alaskan Danielle on December 17, 2018, 05:08:51 PM
@Coffeedrew
Dear Drew:
When taking HRT or any meds it is very important to stay hydrated, drink lots of water and fluids even if you don't feel excessively thirsty... this helps to flush toxins out of your body.

Salt seems to be a subject of interest and salt cravings are a part of HRT especially if the HRT regimen includes Spironolactone ... which is not only a necessary T-Blocker but it is
also a diuretic, a water pill which eliminates water (and salt) in the body, therefore your body then wants to replace those things... thirst and salt cravings ensue....

Also, when dehydrated, you are more subject to muscle cramps, particularly in your legs, and unfortunately at night when you are trying to sleep...  many nights I when I wake up with leg cramps I will go get a large glass of water, eat a pickle or two... and if the cramps continue I will even take a small drink of pickle juice... it really does help.

My salt cravings don't just stop at pickles... not only dill pickles, but also olives, potato chips, salty nuts and salty foods in general....

Hugs,
Danielle

Yes!! So true, I under estimated it. I used to dislike pickles, but now anything with salt is 😍.

Quote from: Joelene9 on December 18, 2018, 12:25:48 PM
Be careful with the salt when taking Spiro. I was cited twice by my doctor due to out of range low sodium levels! My doctor said to increase my salt intake, but not to go overboard! You don't want to overload your kidneys!

Joelene

Good advice, I will listen to it.