I generally agree with the gist of your comment, Mary.

I do think Mia has a point about sugar. I was considering posting something about sugar and had decided against it so I am glad she brought it up, even if there might be a language barrier. I have never heard the theory about sugars from specific fruits causing problems but if you look at a lot of disorders such as allergies and PMS, you will often hear about sugar exacerbating the problem. Since taking B Vitamins is often advised in order to alleviate the problems (at least in the case of PMS) it also makes sense that Adrenal Stress could be involved. I know my doctor tested me and I was fine but it could have been during one of those periods when I was avoiding sugar so the results might not have been typical. I gene.rally crave sugar as much as I crave salt

Also, regarding fruit sugars, there is much written about the fact that fruit should be eaten whole and that juices and refined sugars from fruit are just as bad as cane sugar at spiking insulin levels so it stands to reason that they could also cause other problems. Sugar intake is linked to inflammation which may also be at work in some our problems. I know from experience that it is very difficult to limit (added) sugar and I would not avoid whole fruits without a lot of research but I wouldn’t dismiss Mia’s out of hand. I know I will be looking into it.

Regarding needing salt. We do need some salt but the amount is negligible and can generally be obtained from whole foods. I do think it would be wise to consult a doctor before being that strict however. It is critical to get a small amount of Iodine regularly however so none of us assume we are getting it on a low sodium diet.

Mia, I understand how stress and possibly antibiotic use could lead to adrenal stress but how would neck troubles fit into the picture?

I am a bit skeptical about eating too much “fruit sugar”, unless you mean sugar refined from fruit. In other words, I find it hard to endorse avoiding fruit. Perhaps it is possible that this is necessary for some individuals, but not for most people.

Also, some salt in the diet is necessary, but certainly not to much. Most people get far too much.

Finally, when we say “salt” or “table salt”, this means sodium chloride, and it is generally the sodium that is the problem. Apparently some people have the wrong ratio of sodium to potassium, so maybe eating more potassium salt (as found in bananas and “no salt” substitutes for people with heart conditions might help. This is conjecture, but worth looking into.

Dr. Pecheo at National Jewish Health Hospital in Denver Co. She is a specialist in Allergy and such. She is wonderful. Go it is worth the trip.

I am simply adding to what I just posted. I failed to state I take 40 mg Lasix daily, but have had to double this on some days the past few weeks. However, in the past I have taken both Maxide 50/75 and Lasix in a lower dosage at the same time. The Maxide definitely helped on the facial and eye edema much more than Lasix and I wish I could return to Maxide and a lower dose of Lasix. They absolutely work differently and the Maxide improves my overall feeling much more than Lasix. But, the exteme swelling in my left leg and left foot within the past two weeks along with aching and pains, I believe has to be a blockage in my left leg and this has caused the leg swelling. However, the long standing edema in my face and under my eyes is so extreme there has to be someone somewhere with knowledge that could help me. I does sound “silly” to say I have a salt allergy….. but with such extreme sensitivity I have to salt it is easy to see why some people would call this an “allergy.” Also, I have had medications changed recently or in the past year and if anything has a remote chance of causing edema…. I will be the one in a million to have it. I do hope someone reading these posts will see the TRUE MISERY this causes me and others and will share any “remote” possibilities that may be causing or contributing to this medical problem, regardless how few of the population may have this or may have been recognized as having such. If I really ate like most people most of the time, I think it would truly kill me in a very short period of time. And, I only eat a PURIST diet when I can hardly go on.

I just found your post. I can’t even breath salt and I am swollen. I retain so much fluid it is unbelievable and the bags beneath my eyes are unreal. I have Diabetes II and have seen my Kidney functions altered some over the past few years with the Creatinine and BUN occasionally going up but usually returning. However, I have never met and heard of anyone like me and the way I react to Sodium. I, too, have gone on a PURIST diet and it helps, but is not something you can do for long or in this world we live in. I have had such extreme swelling the past month or two with what I feel sure is some blockage in my left leg. But, regardless what is, or has been or may be… my reaction to salt is EXTREME. I have blood work done quite often, but have never been told my sodium is high according to lab results…. so this has to be some time of REACTIVE response my body has that no one has ACKNOWLEDGED in the medical world. Or, at least I do not believe they have. Plus, I think that some new medications I have changed to or started in the recent year or so also contribute to the ever growing increased response of water retention/swelling. If anything has a remote possibility of causing edema…. I will have it…. I noticed you posted this in August 2014 (not too long ago) so if you find my post (either post again or try and email me). Would love to visit further.

S.E. Thank you for the update. Hang in there!

Thank you. I have an update. I can have salt now, for the most part. I have an off and off issue with sea salt. I’ve been taking digestive enzymes and a number of other supplements that are supposed to help with my allergies. I had to switch to organic and non-gmo food. For a long time, that was the only way I could find relief. However, my list of allergies has greatly grown.

I believe the reason why I had such an extreme reaction to the medication I was on, was because I have Extreme Chemical Sensitivity disorder. I was on a lot of different allergy medications around that time. I was already unwell to begin with and my system got overloaded. My system can still get overloaded depending on what I come in contact with or eat. My life has been completely turned around by this. I can’t go out to eat anymore, go to art museums, or even travel. I have to be so careful. I don’t want to have anymore repeats.

I still have difficulty with keeping on weight. It has more to do with a very fast metabolism than eating disorders, which come and go. I have been taking bee pollen, which is very dense in nutrients. I get the majority of my nutrients from that. Without it, I get malnourished. I take other supplements as well.

At this point, I’m pretty much done with doctors. They aren’t worth the hassle. I don’t like the idea of putting myself at the whim of someone with more power than myself. I’m tired of being judged and wasting resources. Every test I’ve ever taken, in regards to deficiencies, has come back negative, despite being malnourished for most of my life. I saw a therapist for my anorexia, and she couldn’t help me. Instead, I’ve been learning methods to help me with it. I’ve thought about seeing a nutritionalist but, I’m concerned that seeing one could trigger my ED to come back. I have to avoid many things because, I know that they’ll trigger me.