View Full Version : Ramen Noodles Sodium Question
I noticed on the back of the Ramen Noodles packages that it says that if you want a lower sodium meal, do not use as much of the seasoning. I couldn't find anymore information beyond this. I was just curious if anyone knows exactly how much of the sodium is contained in the seasoning package. Also, if I use the entire seasoning package, but drain the noodles and don't eat any of the broth, will I still be taking in a great deal of the sodium?
90% or more of the sodium is in the packet. Honesty, even if you season them and drain, you don't need a whole packet of "seasoning" ever. You won't miss it!. It does cut down sodium by draining, but still leaves a chunk in.
I noticed on the back of the Ramen Noodles packages that it says that if you want a lower sodium meal, do not use as much of the seasoning. I couldn't find anymore information beyond this. I was just curious if anyone knows exactly how much of the sodium is contained in the seasoning package. Also, if I use the entire seasoning package, but drain the noodles and don't eat any of the broth, will I still be taking in a great deal of the sodium?
No!!!!!!! you won't be taking in a great deal of salt.
I opend a pack of seasoning and measured the contents. 1 1/2 teaspoons.of product. My guess is salt equals 1 1/4 teaspoons of it.
I use 1 cup of water to make Ramen noodles in a freezer bag.
heat1 cup water in the small egg poacher pot to 200 degrees or so, use 8 ml alcohol.
Break noodle mass in half before opening package. Open package, take out pack of seasoning, empty noodles into frezzer bag, add 1/2 packet of seasoning, pour 200 degree water over noodles. Zippit closed, put inside of brown paper lunch bag that has thin layer of closed air cell shipping material 1/8 inch thick on bottom. Put outside in 20 degree weather(in shade), let stay there for 10 min., bring it back in the house, put thermometer inside freezer bag of noodles should read 160 degrees, still hot enough that it still requires blowing on it to eat it. Noodles will be fully rehydrated and still tastes great with only half the seasoning packet.
Don't believe me, try it.
This is what I call "Brown baggin it" This is the ultralight of pot cozys. Folds up to fit into small places. Maybe I'll start a thread to show some photos of it.
Alligator
02-18-2007, 18:41
You could make the assumption that all of the seasoning dissolves in the water. Then pour off the broth and measure it. Take that measure and divide it by the amount of water used. Subtract that proportion from one and multiply by the amount of salt listed on the back. This would be a rough guide to how much salt you have in the prepared meal.
During high exertion your body, especially in warm weather, might need more electrolytes. The high sodium level might be quite benficial.
Also, don't forget that if you have high blood pressure, you need to balance the potassium level to the sodium level, so you might also wish to have additional potassium available in some form or other.
spittinpigeon
02-18-2007, 22:37
During high exertion your body, especially in warm weather, might need more electrolytes. The high sodium level might be quite benficial.
Also, don't forget that if you have high blood pressure, you need to balance the potassium level to the sodium level, so you might also wish to have additional potassium available in some form or other.
Ya, but it's MSG.
skyhiker2
02-18-2007, 22:37
Do not take any advice from people on this site for anything related to medical advice,,,, such as "how much salt is in here ,and/or how much salt you may need in your diet. (Not even me) I have metabolic syndrom, and I am very well informed about things like ,,, "salt" sugar, carbs, protein, high blood pressure, insulin levels... yada yada yada...
They have no idea what they are talking about and will give you bad info!!!
My wife Is a Doctor and she'll make your head spin when she explains how things like salt effect you... If you have salt concerns talk to a MD.... Please...
And screw anyone who is not a MD and thinks they can add there 2 cents!!
mweinstone
02-18-2007, 22:54
the seasoning packet contains the dryed ground remains of michale jacksons nose.
Do not take any advice from people on this site for anything related to medical advice,,,, such as "how much salt is in here ,and/or how much salt you may need in your diet. (Not even me) I have metabolic syndrom, and I am very well informed about things like ,,, "salt" sugar, carbs, protein, high blood pressure, insulin levels... yada yada yada......
Is it alright if I just read from the package? I suppose it varies a bit with the manufacturer. But the Maruchan brand of Ramen Noodles contains 1,560mg of sodium, according to the package, which figures out to be 66 percent of your "daily value" if you eat the whole thing and are on a 2,000-calorie a day diet.
I don't have a clue how this translates into the values needed by a backpacker, since I need considerably more than 2,000 calories to avoid losing quite a bit of weight on long distance walks.
I have heard rumors that people doing strenuous work like climbing mountains need more salt than people lazing around watching tv. But I don't really pay much attention to things like salt, except when I have run out of the stuff -- though I have found that a spoonful of sugar is a partial substitute in such emergencies.
AS a general rule I try to use just enough salt to satisfy my taste buds.
Weary
the seasoning packet contains the dryed ground remains of michale jacksons nose.
__________________
Wow! And the hits keep rolling......ROFL!
I have a BP problem and typically use only about 1/4 of the seasoning packet. I know my MD would say even that was too much. I do however add Tabasco Sauce (about 1 tsp). That adds back about 30mg of sodium and plenty of flavor if you like hot stuff.
As for sodium, you get enough in most cases from your normal food-even when backpacking, hiking, climbing, etc. The issue that can occur is a loss of potassium more than sodium. Though drinking a lot of water and sweating can be issues to watch. Many times what you need is a large orange or banana. Or a bag of potato chips (one of the best sources of potassium!)
I live on a very low diet of sodium (1500 mg a day usually). My Dr is an outdoorsy person (why I picked him!) and what he said to me was when I feel tired, rest, drink water slowly, cool off if in summer and have something light to eat. And it works. I carry foods that have potassium in them now. And I do pretty well these days.
And yes, ramen packets are basically MSG and some flavor added. You can do pretty good by tossing the packet and flavoring it yourself. I use olive oil, granulated garlic, some herbs and spices and toss in some parmesan cheese. It comes out very low sodium and tasty. And isn't full of MSG.
But then again, if you don't have BP issues? Then live life as you want ;)
Fiddleback
02-19-2007, 11:58
Do not take any advice from people on this site for anything related to medical advice,,,, such as "how much salt is in here ,and/or how much salt you may need in your diet. (Not even me) I have metabolic syndrom, and I am very well informed about things like ,,, "salt" sugar, carbs, protein, high blood pressure, insulin levels... yada yada yada...
They have no idea what they are talking about and will give you bad info!!!
My wife Is a Doctor and she'll make your head spin when she explains how things like salt effect you... If you have salt concerns talk to a MD.... Please...
And screw anyone who is not a MD and thinks they can add there 2 cents!!
Actually, it's not the 'salt', it's the sodium, right?
FB
Actually, it's not the 'salt', it's the sodium, right?
FB
100% correct.
FanaticFringer
02-19-2007, 16:43
Do not take any advice from people on this site for anything related to medical advice,,,, such as "how much salt is in here ,and/or how much salt you may need in your diet. (Not even me) I have metabolic syndrom, and I am very well informed about things like ,,, "salt" sugar, carbs, protein, high blood pressure, insulin levels... yada yada yada...
They have no idea what they are talking about and will give you bad info!!!
My wife Is a Doctor and she'll make your head spin when she explains how things like salt effect you... If you have salt concerns talk to a MD.... Please...
And screw anyone who is not a MD and thinks they can add there 2 cents!!
I wont add my 2 cents cause I dont want you to .....me:rolleyes:
Do not take any advice from people on this site for anything related to medical advice,,,, such as "how much salt is in here ,and/or how much salt you may need in your diet. (Not even me) I have metabolic syndrom, and I am very well informed about things like ,,, "salt" sugar, carbs, protein, high blood pressure, insulin levels... yada yada yada...
They have no idea what they are talking about and will give you bad info!!!
My wife Is a Doctor and she'll make your head spin when she explains how things like salt effect you... If you have salt concerns talk to a MD.... Please...
And screw anyone who is not a MD and thinks they can add there 2 cents!!
That's funny. Since when are MDs dietitians or nutritionists?
Blue Jay
02-20-2007, 04:09
screw anyone who is not a MD and thinks they can add there 2 cents!!
Your wife may be more informed, however most MD's take a single nutrition course and even that one is BS. They know a little about drugs, mostly they just pass on what the drug reps tell them and they know how to cut, that's for sure. They can replace almost anything, but they know little about food value.
skyhiker2
02-20-2007, 09:09
I just realized I like starting trouble...........
I take back everything I said. The seasoning packet contains the dryed ground remains of michale jacksons nose.
Assuming it is accurate, the information on the package is pretty complete. It essentially says that if you use the full packet of flavorings and eat a whole package you will get 66 percent of the recommended daily intake of sodium for people on a 2,000 calorie diet.
What I wonder is are we allowed more sodium on a 3,500 calorie a day diet?
Weary
Chris_Asheville
02-20-2007, 10:01
I once heard Ramen noodles are the absolute worst thing you could possibly eat. I ate them for about a week in college and got rid of the garbage.
I do not know about you but I seem to sweat so much that salt crystals form on my shoes and cloths. I think you need salt if it is warm (above 60) and or humid. I think when you crave salt you should eat more. If you have blood pressure issues bring along a monitor and see if it affects you, (eating a lot of salt) and adjust accordingly.
I do not know about you but I seem to sweat so much that salt crystals form on my shoes and cloths. I think you need salt if it is warm (above 60) and or humid. I think when you crave salt you should eat more. If you have blood pressure issues bring along a monitor and see if it affects you, (eating a lot of salt) and adjust accordingly.
Even though you are pushing out a lot of salt on your skin, for the most part you have little to worry about if you eat the average American diet, which usually has 2-4 times the amount of sodium you really need. And honestly, if you are worried, just eat potato chips! It will give you salt and potassium, and encourage you to drink water. Salt tabs are something to not mess around with unless approved! (And yes, this advice came from my Dr! He specializes in outoors related and is a backpacker himself). On a side issue: you can become severly dehydrated on winter trips, worse than the summer, since you don't always get thirsty in winter. And you sweat a lot in winter!
In the case of if you crave salt, you probably do need some, so hence, take a break, kick back in the shade and eat some tater chips ;) And water!
I once heard Ramen noodles are the absolute worst thing you could possibly eat. I ate them for about a week in college and got rid of the garbage.
Ramen noodles are just another inexpensive, quick cooking pasta in a convenient package. The flavor packet tends to contain more salt than I like. At home I use a 14 ounce can of broth, rather than the packet. On the trail I either add dehydrated vegetables, or only use a part of a flavor packet.
Weary
Rocketman
03-04-2007, 12:20
I once heard Ramen noodles are the absolute worst thing you could possibly eat. I ate them for about a week in college and got rid of the garbage.
The version that I heard of the story included the reason. It was claimed that Ramen is a highly processed food and contains few micronutrients as a result. So it can be considered "junk starch" like ordinary sugar can also be considered "junk" or "empty" carbohydrates.
Some argue that if you take good vitamins, this largely offsets the lack of micronutrients in highly processed foods like Ramen.
I have no experience here as I normally don't eat much pasta of any kind. This summer, almost by necessity, it appears as if I will become a skilled "processed" pasta preparer and eater.;)
Lumberjack
03-04-2007, 16:04
Unless you have a serious blood pressure problem I wouldnt worry over the salt much.