Sodium

Salt is an essential nutrient - our body needs sodium. The take-home message here is that despite the demonizing of sodium, it is an essential nutrient; without it we die. Low carbohydrate diets both normalize the body's ability to excrete excess sodium and dramatically reduce our intake of processed foods, baked goods, chips, and other "snack foods," the biggest sources of sodium in the modern American diet. So pay attention. Be aware, too, that having elevated blood pressure does not necessarily mean you need a low sodium diet.

Perhaps you splurged over the holidays and are now having a difficult time getting back on track with your low carb WOE (Way Of Eating). Or, perhaps, you looked in the mirror and decided, "It's time to lose that weight!" And after considerable research, you have decided to go the low carb route. Regardless of your reasons, here you are, confronting the Dreaded Diet!