How to Get Salt Out of the Body

Although the human body requires some salt, or sodium, to function properly, many people consume too much sodium. Excess sodium can cause serious health problems such as high blood pressure, which can lead to heart disease, stroke and other problems. Excess sodium also can cause water retention or bloating. However, you can take steps to flush salt out of your body by drinking lots of water, reducing your sodium intake, exercising and visiting a sauna.

Instructions

• 1

  Drink at least 64 ounces of water a day. According to Jeff Hampl, nutrition researcher and assistant professor at Arizona State University, "Even though we associate water with being bloated, drinking more water can help to flush sodium out of the body, and that reduces the bloat." Avoid caffeinated drinks, carbonated drinks and soups that have high sodium content.

• 2

  Reduce your salt intake. Replace processed foods with fresh foods whenever possible, especially fresh fruits and vegetables, and check the Nutrition Facts label on processed food to find the sodium content. Try using spices like pepper, garlic or cilantro instead of salt to add flavor to dishes.

• 3

  Do daily aerobic exercise, such as brisk walking, jogging or bicycling. Sweating helps your body remove impurities and excess sodium.

• 4

  Visit a sauna to help your body sweat out more impurities and excess sodium.