Welcome to the Expert Q&A Section for April 2007. There's no arguement that your diet plays a vital role in muscle development. In this section of the magazine, our resident diet expert Doug Lawrenson answers a question sent in by one of our subscribers or forum members. If you have question you would like Doug to answer here, head over to our muscle building forum and post your question in this thread.

April Diet&Nutrition Question:

Am I right to avoid salt with my food?

Answer:

Never underestimate the power of salt as it is a mineral that your body needs as much as any other substance. It regulates the amount of fluid that your body contains, allows your body to take in fresh fluids, eliminate fluid waste through your urine, and still maintain its fluid balance. Fluid balance is important for many body functions, including maintaining blood pressure, avoiding dehydration and keeping the kidneys healthy.

Too little salt keeps brain, heart, and muscle cells from working properly. However, too much salt, on the other hand, can cause you to retain water, resulting in uncomfortable swelling of the hands, feet and sometimes abdomen. Scientists have also believed for decades that salt, or sodium, has a direct effect on blood pressure.

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About Doug Lawrenson:

Doug Lawrenson is our resident diet guru & fitness over on the Muscle&Strength Forum. Doug has had experience as a bodybuilder, coach and judge at national competition level. If you have questions for Doug or need some advice you can chat to Doug on the forum. Doug is on the forum almost every day!

Doug has written some in-depth and informative articles that have been featured on Muscle&Strength.com. To read some of his articles, check out the diet & nutrition articles section of this this website.