Excess sodium is something regular for families in the U.S. People don’t realize that the quantity of sodium they consume is higher than recommended by doctors. The FDA is trying hard to teach people about healthy choices and one of the major steps in reducing sodium intake. Continue reading our article to find out more!
Excess sodium is bad for your health
First, salt and sodium are not the same. The latter is a mineral found in the former, but the excess sodium comes from high salt consumption, especially from processed (packaged) foods and restaurants. The FDA is working closely with food companies to reduce sodium on their products gradually.
Families need to learn how to make healthy choices, thus, reducing sodium intake. This action is done by reducing the processed food and starting cooking their food. Take into consideration that the recommended limit for sodium is 2,300 milligrams (mg) per day for people 14 years and older.
Watch your diet and avoid excess sodium
Excess sodium can generate high blood pressure, the first cause of heart disease and stroke. So, to change the increased consumption of salt and thus, sodium, the best action is to start changing the diet. But also, the following steps are great advice for reducing sodium.
- Try to cut foods high in sodium. While ordering at a chain restaurant, check the written nutrition information and choose a lower sodium option.
- Compare products before you buy. The Nutrition Facts label can help to compare the sodium content of packaged products.
- Aim to stay under the Daily Value (DV) for sodium. The DV for sodium is the recommended daily limit: 5% DV or less sodium per serving is considered low, and 20% DV or more sodium per serving is considered high.
- Expand your spice horizons while seasoning. Why not no-salt seasoning blends and herbs and spices instead of salt? They can add tons of flavors to the food.
Being careful with the diet is always important for health. Excess sodium is one of the major problems in daily food routines; decreasing it can solve many small health problems. Keep an eye on our blog to learn more about it.