I usually try to make sure I'm not getting too much sodium.  Because I injured my ankle, my husband has done the grocery shopping for me for the past few weeks.  He knows I'm trying to get back on track (lost 48 pounds then gained 13 back by resorting to old bad habits), and he's been great about not bringing a bunch of junk into the house (have I mentioned what a great guy he is?!) He's been trying to make eating better easier for me by buying Weight Watchers entrees for me for breakfast and lunch. They are really good but kind of high in sodium. Is drinking an extra bottle of water enough to combat the extra sodium, or is it just going to make me retain more fluid? Is there a way to balance things out until I can get things back to normal?

Excess sodium can cause water retention.  Normally out kidneys excrete excess sodium.  The thirst you feel after a salty meal is the body calling for water to dilute the sodium, and enable the kidneys to flush out excess sodium.  However, Salt sensitive people tend to retain excess sodium instead of excreting it.  

Here are some tips for limiting your sodium intake:

• Read the label of your medications (if taking any) sometimes they have quite a bit of sodium
• Limit the salt you use for cooking, instead use salt free seasonings and more onions and garlic instead of salt
• Choose frozen meals low or moderate in sodium - Many brands carry these options

Let me know if you need a few more suggestions.  Keep up the good work and praise your husband - what a great guy :)

Sylvia Melendez-Klinger, MS, RD, LDN, CPT - registered dietitian