Low Sodium Diet

Low Sodium Diet. Information on a low sodium diet.

Too much of anything is not good. While Sodium helps regulate body fluids, too much of it will lead to the body retaining too much fluid. More water in the body than is necessary may lead to increased risk of heart attack, high BP and even a stroke. Thus the importance of a low Sodium diet.

What is a low Sodium diet? A low-sodium diet includes no more than 2,000 to 3,000 milligrams (mg) of sodium per day. That is the same as 2 to 3 grams of sodium daily. For an idea of how much that is - 1 teaspoon of salt is approximately 2,300 mg sodium.

The situation is alarming! 1 in 4 Americans has been diagnosed with high blood pressure, and two-thirds of these people don't have it under control. Millions of others do not even know they have it, according to Harvard University heart research. Years of consuming salt-laden processed foods and using salt in cooking have left us believing that only salt can satisfy. Processed food manufacturers even argue that it's hard to change the recipe and keep the taste. And people continue to take them oblivious of the ills.

Apart from fast foods, even diet colas have a high amount of sodium. Common Sodium rich foods include potato chips, soy sauce, pickles, salted popcorn, cheese, cured meat, bacon and seasoning salts (garlic salt, celery salt, etc.).

So what can be a low Sodium diet? A typical low Sodium diet breakfast plan would include an orange, a piece of toast with jelly, a cup of cereal and coffee. A lunch should include - a lean hamburger on a bun, a cup of chicken noodle soup, skim milk, a peach and unsalted crackers.

But before you decide on a low Sodium diet, it is important to consult your doctor so that the person can cater to your individual needs and frame your low Sodium diet plan.

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