REWORKED: 5 Things You Need to Know About Sodium

1. Some Sodium is Vital

Unlike some of the other major minerals, our bodies are very efficient at absorbing sodium. Although Americans hear the message that sodium is bad for health, sodium is an essential mineral that plays a vital role in the body. The body uses sodium to transmit nerve impulses. Sodium is also key in regulating fluid balance in our bodies. American diets contain so much sodium that deficiencies are unlikely. However, if a person loses more than five pounds of body weight through perspiration, he might require sodium supplementation.

2. The Blood Pressure Connection

Patients with hypertension (or high blood pressure) may wonder about the effects of sodium in the diet. In fact, a restricted-sodium diet is effective in reducing blood pressure in only about one third to one half of all hypertensive patients. If the doctor recommends a sodium-restricted diet for mild hypertension, patients must limit their sodium intake to 1.5 to 2.5 grams of sodium per day, which equates to 4 to 6 grams of salt. Even in patients not considered salt-sensitive, this reduction may enhance the efficacy of antihypertensive medications.

3. Hidden Sources of Sodium

You can find sodium in many more places than in common table salt. In fact, table salt is comprised of only 40% sodium; the rest is chloride. Individuals watching their sodium intake should realize that high-protein foods naturally contain the most sodium, followed by vegetables. Fruits contain the least amount of sodium. Foods considered salty, such as salted nuts and chips, are high in sodium. Less obvious high-sodium foods include packaged baking mixes, canned soups, deli meats and frozen dinners.

4. Salt-Free Is a Misnomer

Patients on a restricted sodium diet may believe they can freely consume a food labeled as "salt-free." However, foods can contain sodium in other additives that manufacturers use in processing, so patients must read the nutrition facts label closely to ensure they are counting sodium, not salt grams. For example, disodium phosphate is a common additive in cereal, cheese and bottled drinks. Sodium proprionate is common in breads. Ice cream, which is the last food we think of as salty, can contain sodium alginate, sodium pectinate and sodium caseinate.

5. Sodium-Restricted Diets

If the doctor prescribes a sodium-restricted diet, he will suggest one of four levels of restriction to meet a patient's needs. For a mild sodium diet, patients stop salting their foods at the table and eliminate foods high in sodium to keep their intake below 3 grams per day. A moderate sodium restriction, under one gram per day, means patients must avoid canned or processed foods. A strict sodium restriction limits the patient to 500 mg per day, and requires the assistance of a dietitian to plan. Severe sodium restrictions, under 300 mg per day, necessitate the elimination of foods naturally high in sodium, such as milk.