Interesting Article about Salt

JMJohnson1005

Salty News for Your Heartby Rex Wellness Centers on Wednesday, February 9, 2011 at 11:49am


Natalie Newell, RD, LDN

Regsitered Dietitian

Rex Wellness Center of WakefieldFebruary is Heart Month so let’s see how much you know about sodium. Here’s a quick quiz…



Q: Do you know how much sodium is in one teaspoon of table salt?

A: 2,300 milligrams



Q: Do you know how much sodium the average American consumes each day?

A: 3,400 milligrams



Q: Did you know there are new dietary guidelines for sodium?

A: In January, the recommended amount of sodium was reduced from 2,300 milligrams to 1,500 milligrams a day for higher-risk populations such as African-Americans, people over the age of 51, and individuals who have a past history associated with high blood pressure, diabetes, or kidney problems. Healthy individuals may still aim for 2,300 milligrams. Yes, that’s ONE teaspoon of salt.



This means that the average American must reduce their salt intake by 32%, while the higher-risk populations need to cut it by 56%.



Salt occurs naturally in almost all foods. You might even meet your recommended intake before you add any processed foods or the salt shaker. While this might seem like an overwhelming task, we have a few tips for you to get started:





-Buy fresh, plain frozen, or canned "with no salt added" vegetables.

-Find a replacement for salt such as spices, fruit juices, or herbs.

-Add lemon juice to meats, fish, and vegetables instead of salt.

-Check food labels when going to the store.



Here are some guidelines:



Sodium-free– less than 5 milligrams of sodium per serving

Very low-sodium– 35 milligrams or less per serving

Low-sodium– 140 milligrams or less per serving

Reduced sodium– usual sodium level is reduced by 25 percent

Unsalted, no salt added, or without added salt– made without the salt that's normally used, but still contains the sodium that's a natural part of the food itself



-Rinse canned foods, such as tuna, to remove some sodium.

-When dining out, ask for foods to be prepared without salt.



Rex Wellness Centers registered dietitians can help you plan low-sodium, heart-healthy meals for your family without compromising taste. We’ll show you how to be sweet (not salty) to your heart this month and always!



check out more on the new ADA dietary guidelines - http://www.eatright.org/Media/content.aspx?id=6442462227

wriglucy

Thanks! Very interesting! I heard that it was lowered to 1500 mg in Canada, is that in the US too?

Ok...duh, I guess if it's by the ADA, then it's American ..hehe...sorry

Lisa1971

Thanks for the info! I wish I could get my husband to cut down but he salts EVERYTHING and then when I tell him he shouldn't he goes "Well, your body NEEDS salt." Umm...yes but not a bucketfull every day!:noway: