About how much salt in your diet is healthy
We’ve all heard about the benefits of a low-sodium diet. Too much sodium in the diet can lead to high blood pressure, which is one of the leading causes of heart disease. At the same time, some sodium in your diet is essential for optimizing multiple processes in your body such as the contraction and relaxation of your muscles.
How much salt is too much? How do you maintain the right amount of sodium in your diet? How much salt per day?
According to the UCSF Medical Center, you should not be eating any more than ¼ teaspoon of salt each day. This may seem like a small amount, but it’s important to consider how much sodium is found naturally in a number of foods. Without even touching the salt shaker, most people already consume far more than the daily recommended amount of sodium.
Processed foods contain a great amount of salt. One way that you can reduce the amount of salt that you eat each day is to stay away from processed foods. The next time you visit the grocery store, look at the labels on canned food items and other processed foods. You may surprised at what you find. Spend more time in the fresh produce and veggie department, and shop less in the aisles that contain processed food products.
Another way to reduce the sodium in your diet is to eat out less. Cook at home more often using fresh ingredients, and learn how to be creative with spices instead of piling on the salt. Put the salt shaker in the cupboard instead of within easy reach on the dining room table. Use salt sparingly.
With time, you will find that you can create delicious meals that are full of flavour without having to go overboard with the salt. The end result will be improved health, and lower risk for cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, kidney disease, and other health problems.
If you have questions about healthy salt intake contact your local doctor, who will arrange for you to see a dietitian and nutritionist.
