Should I restrict salt when following a low carb plan?
If an individual does not have a history of salt sensitivity, there is no need to restrict its use when doing Atkins. When controlling carbs one retains less water because insulin levels are more normal. However, if a person has hypertension (high blood pressure) and is approaching the Pre-Maintenance and Lifetime Maintenance phases, he or she should be more diligent in keeping track of the total amount of salt consumed. It is possible that as one adds more carbs back into the diet, there is an increase in insulin production causing increased sodium and water retention. It is important to find ones individual tolerance while keeping blood pressure normal.
