Where We Get Our Sodium
A low-sodium diet is followed usually to treat, but sometimes to prevent, certain health conditions. The form of sodium most often consumed in the diet is sodium chloride, or table salt. While many foods have naturally occurring sodium in them, the majority of health issues that arise from sodium are from table salt. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommend that a healthy individual consume no more than 2,300 mg sodium per day. That equals 1 tsp. table salt. When you consider the amount of sodium added to processed and canned food, as well as the sodium sprinkled onto foods with the salt shaker, it is easy to see that too many people are consuming too much sodium and suffering the consequences.
Impact of Too Much Sodium
We need sodium in our bodies for them to function properly. Sodium plays a role in how our muscles function, as well as in transmitting nerve impulses and regulating body fluids. The trouble arises when we have too much sodium in the body. The kidneys regulate the level of sodium in the body. When it is too high, the kidneys flush it out with urine. However, when they are overworked and cannot eliminate all the sodium they should, the sodium goes into the bloodstream. In the bloodstream, salt holds water that increases the volume of the blood, which results in high blood pressure.
Purpose of Low-Sodium Diet
A low-sodium diet is implemented both to treat and prevent serious medical conditions. Any inflammatory disease within the body will require a low sodium diet as part of its treatment. This is also true for high blood pressure. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, high blood pressure can lead to other problems such as heart disease and increase the risk of kidney disease. If you suffer from high blood pressure, or any other medical condition, the U.S. Department of Health recommends that you follow the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet (see link in Resources). This diet combines good nutrition with a lowered sodium intake of 1,500 mg per day.
Member Comments