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Get Smart About Salt
You can reduce your risk of high blood pressure, stroke and heart disease
by getting smart about salt. The market today provides many alternatives
to salt, such as Mrs. Dash. Replace salt with herbs or spices in order to
retain your taste buds.
Adults should consume no more than 2,300 milligrams of sodium per
day. That’s about one teaspoon of salt. Currently, the average salt intake
is about 4,000 milligrams a day – nearly twice the recommended level.
In 2006, the American Medical Association issued recommendations to
help curb Americans’ sodium intake by encouraging food processors and
restaurants to reduce sodium levels by 50%.
When Americans limit their sodium intake, they may reduce their blood
pressure significantly. In addition, increasing the consumption of fresh
fruits and vegetables can lower blood pressure.
While some foods naturally contain sodium, most of the
sodium we consume is from salt added during preparation.
Pre-packaged items and processed food frequently contain high levels
of salt. Popular high-sodium food choices include pickled foods, canned
vegetables and soups, snack foods, cured meats, highly processed boxed
foods and frozen dinners.
Know The Label Lingo
Sodium Free – a product that contains
5 milligrams or less of sodium
per serving.
Very Low Sodium – a product that
contains 35 milligrams or less of
sodium per serving.
Low Sodium – a product that contains
140 milligrams or less of sodium
per serving.
Per USDA guidelines.
To moderate your sodium intake, read the Nutrition Facts panel on food
packages. In addition, look for no added salt or low sodium versions of
your favorite foods.
live healthy. eat healthy. be healthy.
Rev. 2.11
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This information has been provided as a courtesy to our customers. As always, consult your physician before beginning or changing any health or dietary program. AVInl16