Member-only story

An Easy Action Plan For Finding And Reducing The Sodium Hidden In Your Diet

Branson Carter

·5.7k Followers· Follow

Published in American Heart Association Eat Less Salt: An Easy Action Plan For Finding And Reducing The Sodium Hidden In Your Diet

4 min read · 2 weeks before

441 View Claps

39 Respond

Save

Listen

Sodium is a mineral that is essential for good health. It helps to regulate fluid balance, blood pressure, and muscle function. However, too much sodium can lead to high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke.

American Heart Association Eat Less Salt: An Easy Action Plan for Finding and Reducing the Sodium Hidden in Your Diet

by American Heart Association

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2379 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	454 pages

The recommended daily intake of sodium is 2,300 milligrams (mg). However, most Americans consume much more than that. The average American consumes about 3,400 mg of sodium per day.

Most of the sodium we consume comes from processed foods. Processed foods are foods that have been altered from their natural state. They often contain high levels of sodium, as well as other unhealthy ingredients, such as saturated and trans fats, and sugar.

There are many ways to reduce the amount of sodium in your diet. One way is to cook more meals at home. When you cook at home, you can control the ingredients that you use. You can also choose to use low-sodium or no-sodium ingredients.

Another way to reduce your sodium intake is to read food labels carefully. Food labels will tell you how much sodium is in a serving of food. Choose foods that are low in sodium.

You can also reduce your sodium intake by avoiding processed foods. Processed foods are often high in sodium. Choose fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains instead.

If you are concerned about your sodium intake, talk to your doctor. Your doctor can help you to create a plan to reduce your sodium intake and improve your overall health.

Here are some tips for finding and reducing the sodium hidden in your diet:

Read food labels carefully. Food labels will tell you how much sodium is in a serving of food. Choose foods that are low in sodium.
Avoid processed foods. Processed foods are often high in sodium. Choose fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains instead.
Cook more meals at home. When you cook at home, you can control the ingredients that you use. You can also choose to use low-sodium or no-sodium ingredients.
Use herbs and spices to flavor your food instead of salt. Herbs and spices can add flavor to your food without adding sodium.
Limit your intake of salty snacks. Salty snacks are a major source of sodium in the American diet.
Talk to your doctor. Your doctor can help you to create a plan to reduce your sodium intake and improve your overall health.

Reducing your sodium intake can improve your health and reduce your risk of developing high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. By following these tips, you can find and reduce the sodium hidden in your diet.

This article is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment.

Image alt text: A photo of a variety of processed foods that are high in sodium.

Image description: The photo shows a variety of processed foods that are high in sodium, including chips, crackers, canned soups, and frozen meals. These foods are often convenient and inexpensive, but they can contribute a lot of sodium to your diet.

American Heart Association Eat Less Salt: An Easy Action Plan for Finding and Reducing the Sodium Hidden in Your Diet

by American Heart Association

4.4 out of 5