Building a Healthy Lifestyle: Reducing your sodium intake
Posted by
Mary Ann P.
By now we should all be aware that sodium causes increases blood pressure but you may not be aware of other health issues directly related to consuming too much sodium. It induces insulin resistance, can contribute to kidney stones, osteoporosis & cataracts, aggravates asthma and increases the risk of developing stomach and esophgeal cancer.
So how much sodium is enough? The average person should ingest no more than 2,300 milligrams per day. Sounds like a lot doesn't it. But in truth the average person takes in around 9,000 milligrams per day. The culprits are processed foods, canned vegetables and even water softeners.
The best way to wean yourself off of salt is a little at a time. Let your palate acclimate to the changes and then reduce the amount you intake again until you are at an acceptable level. Labels include information on sodium so always check them out. You may find salt in unlikely places. If you are buying something low sodium make sure they didn't try to make up for taking out the salt by adding more fat or sugar.
As far as vegetables are concerned I've given up on buying canned ones. I'd like to have fresh all the time but that isn't feasible so I rely on frozen when the fresh ones aren't in season. Plain frozen veggies are normally free of additives. Just the way I like them.
Building a Healthy Lifestyle: Reducing your sodium intake
Posted by Mary Ann P.
By now we should all be aware that sodium causes increases blood pressure but you may not be aware of other health issues directly related to consuming too much sodium. It induces insulin resistance, can contribute to kidney stones, osteoporosis & cataracts, aggravates asthma and increases the risk of developing stomach and esophgeal cancer.
So how much sodium is enough? The average person should ingest no more than 2,300 milligrams per day. Sounds like a lot doesn't it. But in truth the average person takes in around 9,000 milligrams per day. The culprits are processed foods, canned vegetables and even water softeners.
The best way to wean yourself off of salt is a little at a time. Let your palate acclimate to the changes and then reduce the amount you intake again until you are at an acceptable level. Labels include information on sodium so always check them out. You may find salt in unlikely places. If you are buying something low sodium make sure they didn't try to make up for taking out the salt by adding more fat or sugar.
As far as vegetables are concerned I've given up on buying canned ones. I'd like to have fresh all the time but that isn't feasible so I rely on frozen when the fresh ones aren't in season. Plain frozen veggies are normally free of additives. Just the way I like them.