When kidneys fail, they retain sodium, which attracts water in the blood vessels, leading to high blood pressure or hypertension. To prevent the onset or the progression of kidney failure, low sodium diets are recommended to help to lower blood pressure. While low sodium diets are challenging, learning the food sources of sodium and ways to reduce sodium intake are the first steps to controlling your blood pressure.
The Kidneys and Sodium
The kidneys are two bean shaped organs that act as the body's filtering system. The kidneys are responsible for maintaining the balance of water, minerals and electrolytes, assisting in the production of red blood cells and regulating blood pressure. When the kidneys do not function properly, they retain sodium. Because sodium attracts water, when kidneys hold onto sodium, water is pulled into blood vessels, which leads to hypertension. Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is damaging to the blood vessels, eyes, brain and heart, according to the Merck Manuals.
Maintaining a healthy blood pressure is one way to help prevent the onset or the progression of kidney failure. Low sodium, also known as salt restricted diets, help maintain and achieve a healthy blood pressure, says the Cleveland Clinic.
Low Sodium Diet
Because the kidneys cannot properly excrete the excess sodium, it's essential to reduce sodium intake from food. Common salt restrictions are 2 gram, or 2,000 milligrams, or 3 gram, or 3,000 milligrams, diets. Considering one teaspoon of salt is about 2,300 milligrams of sodium, a 2 gram sodium diet means eating less than 1 teaspoon of salt per day, according to the Cleveland Clinic..
Low sodium diets are challenging because sodium is found naturally in many foods. Even vegetables naturally contain sodium. And, many food companies add salt as a preservative. But, learning the food sources of sodium and the ways to reduce sodium intake are the first steps in lowering blood pressure.
Sources of Sodium
Common sources of sodium are processed and convenience foods. Processed and convenience foods include foods purchased at fast food restaurants, frozen meals and deli meats, such as salami, pastrami, corned beef, bacon and hot dogs. Condiments, such as soy sauce, mustard and prepared salad dressings are high in sodium. Canned foods are very high in sodium, especially ready-to-serve foods and soups, which can have over 1,500 milligrams of sodium. Other sources of salt include brined foods such as pickles, cheese, marinara and other tomato based pasta sauces. Some snack foods loaded with salt are salted nuts, chips and pretzels.
Hidden Sources
A surprising source of sodium is instant or "quick" oatmeal because a sodium based ingredient called disodium phosphate sometimes is added to help shorten the cooking time. Additionally, baking soda is derived from sodium, so check the sodium content of baked goods. Look on the ingredient label for words with sodium in it, such as disodium phosphate, sodium benzoate and monosodium glutamate, also known as MSG.
Reducing Sodium Intake
One of the best ways to reduce sodium intake is to remove the salt shaker from the table. When cooking, replace salt with fresh herbs and spices of your choice. But, consult with your doctor before purchasing salt substitutes because they usually contain potassium, which may be harmful to your condition.
Buying and preparing fresh allows you to control how much salt is added. If you must purchase canned fruits, vegetables or beans, pour the contents into a strainer and rinse with water to remove some of the excess sodium.
When grocery shopping, look for items listed as "low sodium," "low salt," and "no added salt." It's always a good habit to read nutrition labels. "Low sodium" foods have less than 150 mg of sodium per serving. "No Sodium" means there are less than 5 mg per serving. It's not necessary to obsess with counting milligrams. Rather, try to think of all foods in moderation. If you must go for that salted dish, then be a little more conservative with your sodium intake at the next meal.
When eating out, choose roasted and boiled instead of fried options. When dining at a restaurant, ask the waiter for salt-free or lower sodium options. You can control the amount of salt added to your dish by asking for sauces and dressing on the side. And, while the bread basket is tempting, it is usually accompanied by salted butter.
