Who Should Follow a Low Sodium Diet?
Filed under: Health Tips
Has the doctor made a suggestion that you need to follow a low sodium diet? Sodium is a naturally occurring mineral that is important for health, but people can run into health complications if they get too much sodium in their diet. The problem is that sodium is added to many foods that we eat, which means that you need to take a proactive approach to reducing sodium intake.
Why Do You Need a Low Sodium Diet?
A low-sodium diet is an important factor in protecting heart health and managing the control of fluids around major organs, such as the lungs and heart. It is also common for sodium to cause water retention in the legs or hands. If you are carrying extra water in the body, then it causes your heart to work harder. As a result, you might experience an increase in blood pressure.
Who should follow a low sodium diet? Doctors will often make the recommendation for people with the following health concerns:
- Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
- Edema (Swelling)
- Heart Failure
- Kidney Problems
- Diabetes
- People over the age of 50
Guidelines for a Low Sodium Diet
It is estimated that there are 2,300 milligrams of sodium in one teaspoon of salt. So, it is essential that you put away the salt shaker and stick with herbs for flavor instead. When you are cooking, stay away from prepackaged sauces and seasonings, including soy sauce, barbecue sauce, broths, meat tenderizers, MSG, vegetable juices, processed meats, pickles, salad dressings, snack foods, and many prepackaged foods.
If you look at the nutrition label on packaged foods, you can find details about the sodium levels in each serving. As you browse the grocery store, you will find it difficult to locate prepackaged foods that fit within a low sodium diet. The best solution is to use fresh ingredients so that you can manage the salt that is added, or find a high-quality source of meals that are catered to match your dietary needs.
Easiest Plan for a Low Sodium Diet
Are you looking for a simple way to eat delicious food, minimize meal prep, and manage your sodium intake at the same time? Talk to Robina Gaines, a certified personal wellness chef at The Peaceful Plate to learn more about our low sodium meal plans: (951) 852-5765
