Final answer:
You need to increase salt on the SOTA program to maintain proper electrolyte balance during weight loss, as losing weight can shed essential electrolytes such as sodium and chloride ions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The reason you need to increase salt on the SOTA program is to maintain proper electrolyte balance during weight loss. When losing weight, your body may shed not only fat but also important electrolytes, such as sodium (Na+) and chloride (Cl-) ions, which are necessary to regulate the fluid balance in the body. As a result, increasing salt intake can help replenish these ions and avoid imbalances that can occur during weight reduction. Moreover, sodium is an essential mineral that supports nerve function, muscle contraction, and blood pressure regulation. In contrast, excessive sodium intake can lead to health concerns such as hypertension and cardiovascular disease; hence, it must be balanced appropriately, particularly in the context of a weight loss program like SOTA, and under medical supervision.