Low Sodium Diet
One health condition that many of us suffer from is hypertension. Hypertension or increased blood pressure is not a disease of the old or for those that have heart disease, but it can strike younger individuals as well. Hypertension, left untreated can lead to heart conditions including heart attack and stroke. If you are suffering from hypertension or at high risk of developing it and would like to reduce the risk or effects of this condition, then a Low-Sodium Diet can be beneficial.
What is a Low-Sodium Diet?
A Low-Sodium Diet, as the name implies, is a diet that contains about 2 grams or less of sodium per day. Sodium is commonly found in table salt and in a wide variety of foods both processed and natural. Foods high in salt are usually also high in sodium.
Effects of Too Much Sodium in Our Diet
It has been proven that too much sodium in one’s diet can lead to hypertension. In addition, it can also lead to water retention and bloating. In the long term, people that eat high amounts of sodium can develop not only heart conditions but kidney complications as well.
Foods High in Sodium
For many, salt is important to our meals as it adds flavor, however, too much of it can be detrimental to our health and cause hypertension. Some of the foods that one should avoid while on the Low-Sodium Diet include the following:
- Foods from fast-food restaurants that are high in sodium and fat content.
- Processed foods high in sodium
- You should also avoid sauces and ketchups as they have high sodium content.
- Junk foods and snacks as they are usually high in salt.
Substitute for Sodium in Meals
As stated above, sodium can add flavor to any meal, so as a substitute for salt instead use herbs and spices to make your food more palatable. Some other substitutes that can be helpful as well include lemon juice, vinegar, cooking wine, pepper, paprika, etc.
Low Sodium Diet Cons
There is very little downside to the Low-Sodium Diet. Obviously if you eat out a lot, it can be tough to comply with, but many individuals simply ask their waiter or waitress not to add salt to their foods or order items that are low in salt to begin with.
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Filed under Medical Diets.
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