Our hope for the result of this project is that it will inform future studies. Our hope for these future studies is that we can find evidence to support a change in sodium regulation. Switching from total sodium intake (the current regulation) to sodium density (sodium intake per calorie). Sodium density may be a better and more individualized regulator of sodium intake. While the results of this study from the summer will not have vast change quite yet, it will open a conversation for future studies and hopefully future change.
Research in the nutrition field is so important because every law, regulation, policy, and dietary advice that is given is all based on research. Research is the backbone of my future career as well as the backbone of health in this country. Sodium is one of the leading causes of cardiovascular disease risk. If we can change the way sodium is regulated to create a more individualized regulation, this could hopefully help individuals follow a more personalized diet regarding sodium which can decrease their cardiovascular disease risk.
Next year, I plan to stay in my current lab. There is a lot of ongoing studies as well as new studies starting up in the fall that I am excited to be working on. Conducting this research over the summer has adequately prepared me for any tasks that I will be assigned in these upcoming studies. Outside of research, I will be continuing to work and volunteer with a few other organizations on campus. I am excited to get the school year started and I am also excited to look into future research programs and opportunities that are available to FSU students.
For now, I am taking a much-needed break before fall semester as you can see from the picture.
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