Eli5: Why is it okay to replace electrolytes (including sodium) after exercise, but high sodium consumption is bad for long term health?

Question

I can’t figure how it’s beneficial to consume what seems like a high sodium drink after a workout but putting too much salt on my steak will kill me.

In: 0

Answer 1

“High” sodium consumption is relative. Your body needs sodium, but not too much. Eating too much of it at any time is bad. But your body loses some when you sweat, so you need to eat more of it if you exercise a lot.

Also, salt is added to a lot of foods, so it’s really easy to eat too much of it.