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The Deal With… Sodium

Sodium can be in foods that you don’t even expect, which can make it difficult to figure out what to eat. Too much sodium results in excess water weight, which is harmful for those with high blood pressure, heart, kidney and liver disease. The most sodium we should take is about 1/2 - 1 1/2 teaspoons which is not that much, and the average person takes more than that!

Ways to Reduce Sodium Intake

• Choose foods labeled sodium free, low sodium or reduced sodium. These foods have less than 5 milligrams of sodium
• Try a salt shaker with smaller holes or ditch the shaker all together, if you can.
• Buy vegetables that don’t come with salt, notably packaged vegetables, which usually have salt on them. You can also rinse the salt off if you absolutely have to get a package with salt on it.
• Buy meats that don’t come with salt, so you can add your flavoring your way.
• Substitute seasonings and salts with natural flavoring such as garlic, onions, lemon, vinegar, pepper, parsley or cilantro. Personally I love all of these, except vinegar.

It’s better to be aware of the vegetables and fruits you’re taking in more than obsessing about salt, although there’s nothing wrong with watching it. Focusing on a nutritious diet is more important.

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