Sodium is an essential mineral for many bodily functions, but too much can be detrimental and lead to serious health issues. If you're feeling bloated or like you've consumed too much salt, there are a few steps you can take to reduce your sodium intake. Increasing your water intake, adding more potassium to your diet, increasing physical activity, and reducing added salt are all effective ways to reduce your sodium levels. Spicy foods can also help reduce high blood pressure and heart disease caused by sodium intake.
When you eat spicy foods, your body releases heat which causes you to sweat. This helps remove excess sodium from the body, just like sweat does. Eating vegetables and fruits with high water content can also help reduce salt levels in the body. Apples, lettuce, strawberries, and peppers are all great options for reducing sodium levels.
Including oatmeal mixed with natural yogurt, fruit-based milkshakes, and soups with less salt in your diet can also help increase fluid levels and aid the kidneys in eliminating salts. Herbal teas and other healthy liquids can help eliminate salt, restore the digestive system, and reduce bloating.