Are you crazy about monitoring salt intake?

Triathlon Forum
1

Just wondering if anybody counts the amount of salt water they’re likely to consume in a tri with an ocean swim in regards to their salt intake. I usually get at least one good mouthful of salt water during any race (about an ounce) which is about 3 salt tabs worth. Is anyone that OCD? I think about it but never adjust for it.

If you care about where I got my numbers: (journal science article ~2300mg NaCl per 8oz. (~300mg per ounce) and yes this will vary greatly depending on what body of water, tides, temperature, fish and athlete urine etc.; endurolytes 100mg per tab. = 3 salt tabs per 1 oz mouthful).

2

Ha! Ever swim in the carribbean? so salty your lips dry out. What’s a salt tablet anyway? I’m new!

3

Good question. I admit to never considering it. In any event, I think that erring on the side of more rather than less salt is a good rule of thumb. The complication that could arise with a gulp of sea water, however, because sea water is hypertonic compared to any sports drink, and could cause GI distress. As long as we start the swim with a bit of fluid in the gut, it shouldn’t be a problem. If anything, the sea water might do some good.