5 Ways to Lower Salt Intake

Sodium is everywhere – on the table, in our food, and in our heart’s. It’s a dangerous additive used by many to enhance bland tasting food. Whether it’s a sprinkle on something you ordered in a restaurant, or just a pinch for you popcorn, too much can be lethal. 

Sodium, or salt as it’s commonly referred to, is directly related to high blood pressure. It hides in just about everything we eat, and when we start adding more of it to foods with salt already used in the preparation, we are going far beyond the recommended daily allowance. Health experts advise less than one teaspoon of sodium a day.

With all the salt that surrounds us, getting away from it can be hard.

Here are some suggestions on keeping your diet low in sodium intake:

1. If you buy frozen vegetables look for ones that have ‘no salt added.’ Or another option – buy fresh vegetables!

2. Cook rice or pasta without adding salt. Putting salt in the water you are boiling is an old trick, but making a good healthy sauce can remedy the absence.

3. Rinse food you take from a can. Sodium is used as a preservative in items such as tuna. A quick run under the tap can take at least some of it away.

4. Check your breakfast cereals. Yes, even healthy cereals use salt as a flavor enhancer. Look for some that use little or none at all.

5. Switch from chips to sticks. Vegetable sticks have no salt added, and once you get in the habit of eating these tasty treats your desire for salty things goes down.

Letting go of sodium can be hard at first, since so many people associate flavor with salt. You will find though, that after you’ve detoxed a short while you will be free from the addiction and able to taste the essence of the food. Your heart risk will drop and you will have a better chance of living a longer healthier life.