Recently, After Hrs told you that Saif Ali Khan has embarked on a no-salt diet in order to attain a sculpted look for his role of a Rajput officer in Ajay Devgn’s ambitious project Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior. He’s not the first actor to have resorted to such a drastic lifestyle change. Even Hollywood actor Hugh Jackman went off sodium to portray the super-ripped mutant Wolverine. We asked health experts about the pros and cons of omitting this important ingredient from your diet.
A TRICK USED BY ACTORS AND BODYBUILDERS
Salt causes water retention in the body due to which the ripped effect of muscles doesn’t show clearly. When the cells get deprived of water, it gives an aesthetic muscular appearance. No wonder, bodybuilders do not consume sodium for three to four days before their competition. Actresses also resort to this trick in order to sport flat abs, reveals Shalini Bhargava, fitness trainer and director, JG’s Fitness Centre.
However, following a diet minus this magic ingredient is not recommended for everyone, especially for those with low blood pressure. Shalini says, “You can adhere to it for a few days, provided it is done under the supervision of an expert. Moreover, foods such as eggs, spinach and meat naturally contain some amount of sodium. But, one shouldn’t continue this regime for a longer duration as it can cause dizziness and dehydration. In that case, one should have electrolyte water.”
HEALTH RISKS GALORE
Hetal Chheda, holistic nutritionist and founder of Your Health — Nutrition Clinic, has a word of caution. She points out, it can be risky for people who exercise rigorously as intense workouts lead to a lot of sweating that results in a loss of sodium and potassium. Going on this regime will aggravate the issue, which can lead to unconsciousness, lightheadedness and brain fog.
Therefore, one shouldn’t extend this experiment beyond three days. Also, instead of electrolyte water, she suggests that coconut water is a better option as it is packed with sodium and potassium.
Not all experts give their stamp of approval for this eating plan even for a short duration. Dr Vikrant Shah, physician, Zen Hospital says, “When sodium levels in the body decrease, it can cause dizziness.
Some people may react differently if they are exposed to the sun or if they sweat more. If you are not consuming salt, have foods that naturally contain sodium,” he reasons, adding that even patients who suffer from hypertension and cirrhosis are prescribed a low-salt diet, but are not advised to completely go off sodium.
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
 "Saif Ali Khan and Hugh Jackman")
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
)
)
)
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}