In this world of processed foods, it is very easy for any of us to OD on salt. Although sodium is needed for our bodies to function properly, we need to learn how much is sufficient for this purpose and learn to eliminate the excess.So how much sodium do our bodies need?
According to experts, a healthy adult should have a range o f 1500mg to 2400mg per day. If you already have hypertension (high blood pressure), you should try to stay at the low end of this range. Does this range sound like a lot of milligrams per day to you? Not so, considering that most of the fast food we consume can have most of your allotment of milligrams for one day in one meal. Check out some of the popular fast food chain's websites to check their nutrition facts on their menu items. You will be shocked! One of your favorite burgers could have close to your daily suggested allowance of sodium. I didn't list any of them in this article because I didn't want this to be a fast food bashing article. But look for yourself. The information is out there.
According to experts at the Mayo Clinic, there are 3 main sources from which the US average diet gets its salt intake. They are processed foods, condiments, and natural sources of sodium.
Examples of processed foods generally include all boxed foods like Mac and Cheese, TV dinners, packaged lunch meats, soups, frozen foods and canned vegetables. Condiments high in salt are soy sauce, salad dressings, relishes, ketchup and many more. Natural sources of sodium are existent in poultry, dairy, and vegetables.
The most important thing to do is read labels before purchasing food! You can reduce your daily salt intake by simply reading labels and making smarter choices at the grocery store. Choose soups that say reduced sodium or half the sodium on the front. I personally like the Progresso and Healthy Choice brands of soups. They have approx. 480 mg per serving versus some of the other well known brands which have over 1000 mg per serving.
According to experts, a healthy adult should have a range o f 1500mg to 2400mg per day. If you already have hypertension (high blood pressure), you should try to stay at the low end of this range. Does this range sound like a lot of milligrams per day to you? Not so, considering that most of the fast food we consume can have most of your allotment of milligrams for one day in one meal. Check out some of the popular fast food chain's websites to check their nutrition facts on their menu items. You will be shocked! One of your favorite burgers could have close to your daily suggested allowance of sodium. I didn't list any of them in this article because I didn't want this to be a fast food bashing article. But look for yourself. The information is out there.
According to experts at the Mayo Clinic, there are 3 main sources from which the US average diet gets its salt intake. They are processed foods, condiments, and natural sources of sodium.
Examples of processed foods generally include all boxed foods like Mac and Cheese, TV dinners, packaged lunch meats, soups, frozen foods and canned vegetables. Condiments high in salt are soy sauce, salad dressings, relishes, ketchup and many more. Natural sources of sodium are existent in poultry, dairy, and vegetables.
The most important thing to do is read labels before purchasing food! You can reduce your daily salt intake by simply reading labels and making smarter choices at the grocery store. Choose soups that say reduced sodium or half the sodium on the front. I personally like the Progresso and Healthy Choice brands of soups. They have approx. 480 mg per serving versus some of the other well known brands which have over 1000 mg per serving.
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