The water retention is a big thing. Other people, including some physicians, also claim interferes with a lot of other body processes, digestion, elmination, metabolism, concentration...etc. "" There's some guy on TV that is selling a "Six-Week Body Makeover". I wouldn't buy the program (all it is a 'how-to' for diet and exercise) and we already know all that. My girlfriend spent $200 on it,.... waste of money. "" However, if you get a chance to watch the infomercial or the video, there is an EXCELLENT discussion of the effects of sodium on the body. It's worth watching the infomercial just for that. "" But not everyone is that extreme and, even to this day, opinions still vary.