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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 6 of 6. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Tom Twilight on August 19, 2006, at 9:08:38
This is a really bizare problem
Since I've started having problems with Anxiety a few years ago I've developed a real intolerance to Salt.
Large amounts of Salt now make me anxiousNever used to be a problem! Anyone have any idea why?
I sure I'm not imagining this
Posted by Phillipa on August 19, 2006, at 10:51:17
In reply to Intolerance to Salt Sodium-Why?, posted by Tom Twilight on August 19, 2006, at 9:08:38
Are you on any other meds? I've never had that problem that is strange. Love phillipa
Posted by yxibow on August 19, 2006, at 17:14:22
In reply to Intolerance to Salt Sodium-Why?, posted by Tom Twilight on August 19, 2006, at 9:08:38
> This is a really bizare problem
>
> Since I've started having problems with Anxiety a few years ago I've developed a real intolerance to Salt.
> Large amounts of Salt now make me anxious
>
> Never used to be a problem! Anyone have any idea why?
> I sure I'm not imagining thisSalt problems usually only occur with things like Lithium. However, this could be a medical issue rather than a medical psychiatric issue, large amounts of salt, say over 2-3 grams a day are not good for anyone's body.
There is also psychogenic polydipsia where people consume vast amounts of water because they feel thirsty, this is a form of somatiform disorder. There are lots of forms of somatiform disorders, one of which I experience, in fact I don't like to think of the word thirst because I am afraid that feeling will come back as it has receded. (no I didnt drink vast amounts of water or have p.d. really).
I would talk to your psychiatrist, maybe even your primary care doctor if this is really making things uncomfortable.
-- Jay
Posted by Tom Twilight on August 19, 2006, at 17:25:44
In reply to Re: Intolerance to Salt Sodium-Why?, posted by yxibow on August 19, 2006, at 17:14:22
Somataform?
Hope I spelt that right!Does that mean its psychosomatic?
If someone told me they were experiencing this then I would probably not believe them.
Still even small amounts of salt make me anxious, I'm fairly sure its a physical thing......
The only thing I can think of is that Sodium depletes Magnesium
Posted by yxibow on August 20, 2006, at 2:43:16
In reply to Re: Intolerance to Salt Sodium-Why?, posted by Tom Twilight on August 19, 2006, at 17:25:44
> Somataform?
> Hope I spelt that right!
>
> Does that mean its psychosomatic?
>
> If someone told me they were experiencing this then I would probably not believe them.
>
> Still even small amounts of salt make me anxious, I'm fairly sure its a physical thing......
>
> The only thing I can think of is that Sodium depletes Magnesium
I'm not sure about the depletion of Magnesium, Magnesium has been touted in a sort of alternative fashion as an aid to anxiety. There's nothing wrong with taking Magnesium, I take a form of multimineral that provides Calcium, Magnesium, and Phosphorus, all important minerals, and especially the Calcium as I am a vegetarian. But there are a lot of less than health-on-the-net style code honoring sites touting magnesium pills, etc, etc.
Somatiform disorders are very real -- I have a terrible form of one, as far as we know, visual, which would take a long time to explain but basically my body is not processing things out and certain things are a bit too bright and contrasted off, especially under artificial lighting.
Psychosomatic illnesses (somatiform disorders, really -- not malingering conditions, which some inexperienced psychologists/psychiatrists lump things with) are really under-understood even today, they are real physical changes in the body due to some underlying anxiety or stress. Pseudoseizures are quite common.
But I'm perhaps projecting, I'm only describing things from what I am experiencing. There may be a medical reason for what you are feeling and if salt really is a problem for you then I would either suggest experimenting with a low sodium diet (we all do need sodium though, it is important in channeling messages in the brain and other areas).The best thing though really is having a doctor run an electrolyte panel on your body to see if there are any abnormalities in sodium, potassium, etc, the usual run that they do. That's the only way of knowing if its a medication you're taking, or some sort of thyroid issue, or any number of unusual but possible things that could be going on.
Best wishes
-- Jay
Posted by Tom Twilight on August 20, 2006, at 6:32:28
In reply to Re: Intolerance to Salt Sodium-Why? » Tom Twilight, posted by yxibow on August 20, 2006, at 2:43:16
Thanks for advice Jay
What your saying about Somataform disorders is fascinating
It can be hard to persade UK doctors to perform tests because they foot the bill, and their under pressure to keep costs down.
Wish I could just hand over the money and pay for the tests!
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