Don't fear the seasoning.
Salt is often considered a dietary enemy, but athletes who eat well-balanced diets don't have to worry. “Salt is essential to the human body,” says Alejandro Junger, MD, author of Clean Eats. “We need it for adrenal function, proper digestion, and overall cellular function,” he notes.
The CDC recommends a max of 2,300 milligrams (mg) of sodium per day. However, athletes may need more (as sodium is lost through sweat). In fact, studies show that in some instances, supplementing with salt improves an athlete’s performance.
Junger recommends choosing mineral-rich varieties like Celtic and Himalayan as opposed to regular table salt. You can also make veggie salts at home, which are made dehydrated veggies, to add a boost of flavor to your foods.