Less Sodium is Best

Two major killers of American men and women are heart disease and stroke. They can be brought on by consumption of too much sodium found in salt thus increasing the chance of high blood pressure and hypertension according to the Center for Disease Control.

Generally, adults are recommended not to consume more than 2,300mg of sodium daily. If a person falls in the group that includes those over age 40, those with high blood pressure and those who are African American. These individuals should limit themselves to 1,500mg per day or less.

Two thirds of Americans fall into this group and are at a high health risk as a result. Consuming lower quantities of salt should help according to the Center for Disease Control.

Our fast paced society we tend to eat more store bought, processed and restaurant foods which usually contain high amounts of salt. Most of our daily intake of sodium comes from processed and restaurant foods to the tune of about 77%. Simply check the labels before buying any products and ask for food and nutritional facts from your local restaurant when eating out. Most will be more than willing to share the information and even offer alternatives.

What can be done to reduce the risk of disease? A heart healthy diet that reduces the levels of sodium, fats and cholesterol can help greatly. Diets that include fruits and vegetables, with fiber and low fat dairy products, and which coincide with doing more physical activity will definitely help reduce or prevent high blood pressure. Don't let the idea of exercise scare you. A simple activity with family or friends on a regular basis can do wonders. Take a little time to learn more about the levels of sodium we all ingest on a daily basis. Whenever your schedule allows, try some of that down home old fashioned cooking your family just loves to enjoy. Remember, you are not alone in this ordeal. Share your knowledge about sodium intake with family and friends. February 1 - 7 will be Salt Awareness Week and a good time to get the message out.

Resources

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC High Blood Pressure Web Site

Source: Mattes, RD, Donnelly, D. Relative contributions of dietary sodium sources. Journal of the American College of Nutrition. 1991 Aug;10(4):383-393.