Hold the salt

Sodium, sodium everywhere...sodium is in many products, especially processed and prepared foods.  Just one teaspoon is approx 2,325 milligrams (mg) of sodium...  ...You are probably getting far more sodium than you need, the 2005 Dietary Guidelines for sodium intake are not to exceed 2,300 mg per day.  A lower recommendation, especially those with high blood pressure, kidney issues or sensitive to sodium should not exceed 1,500 mg.

Your body does need sodium to function efficiently.  It helsps maintain the balance of fluids in your body and influences muscle contraction and relaxation.  Your kidneys work hard to maintain the right balance of sodium for your body.

Too much sodium makes your heart work much harder.  Some people are more sensitive to sodium than others.

There are natural sources of sodium; which are not as high as processed and/or prepared; but they do add to your daily intake.  Celery, milk, meat, and shellfish.

Watch your condiments.

Read labels to know your sodium levels in products especially with processed and prepared foods.

Watch for words such as:
-monosodium glutamate (msg)
-baking soda
-baking powder
-disodium phosphate
-sodium alginate
-sodium nitrate or nitrite

Choose lower sodium products.  Even bread, especially white bread can have high levels of sodium, choose whole grain and ideally less than 200 mg per serving. Your taste buds will adjust as you start to cut down on any added salt.  Eat more fresh foods, use more fresh herbs to enhance flavors of foods.  Your body will thank you.

What do you use instead of salt to flavor your favorite meal?