Sodium

[Briggsy]

The Thai diet, particularly if one buys a lot of food in restaurants, food shops, food carts, etc. seems very high in sodium. What are the long-term effects here? Have there been any studies on kidney problems or high blood pressure amongst people living in Thailand?

I try to avoid adding extra fish sauce and salt but most of it is added by the cook during preparation.

[wpcoe]

I've often wondered about the need for more sodium in a tropical climate like Thailand, due to the increased loss of the body's sodium via increased sweating. Given that some of us (I'm guilty as charged) sweat like the proverbial pig in Thailand, are we even getting enough sodium in the salt-laced local Thai food?

[Jimi007]

Good question! When getting my blood pressure check in Thailand, they say it's fine. My US doctor says it's a little high. I think Thailand use a different standard for hypertension than the US does. I know there is a problem with high cholesterol as the Thai Government used the World Health Organization law to take Lipitor as a necessary drug for Thailand. Almost everything is fried in oil!

[FBN]

Most likely, more salt than needed despite the climate.

[shaunoro]

I did a bit of searching on this subject a few weeks ago.

In non tropical climate as Northern Europe 2-3 grammes of salt a day is recommended intake.

But research in India for tropical climate said the recommended intake was 6.3 grammes per day.

[KhunTina]

As a person who suffers low blood pressure, this sounds like good news to me. My blood pressure is invariably normal here, maybe because I eat prik nam blah with everything Thai. The average Thai has a very good diet here, small amounts of meat, most often seafood, with lots of vegies and some carbs. Typically, I tend to eat very little rice, if any, but love Gaeng Som, Nam Yah and Kuah Gling. All good for my system, with Pad Pak Miang and other green veggies like Kah Nah.

I adore the Thai cuisine. I feel like it's good for me.

[junglechef]

I feel that eating healthy is easier here, esp. when looking for a quick bite. But I do think the locals diet here is quite heavy on white rice which does effect ones blood sugar a lot. I love salt (especially since I'm a Chef) and the food is salty here, with many dishes containing a few salty ingredients, but I have no data on the health effects. But how great is it to be able to find fresh fruit on the corner peeled, cut and ready to eat!