A no-salt diet is designed for people with health problems such as high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease. The American Dietetic Association explains that limited amounts of sodium are beneficial in food preservation, but too much can lead to life-threatening diseases. Eating a reduced-sodium diet can help prevent such diseases. If you have certain health conditions that are aggravated by salt, your physician will likely recommend a no-salt diet.
Function
The purpose of a no-salt diet is to reduce the amount of sodium in the blood. Table salt contains sodium chloride, an element that helps your body retain a natural amount of water. The American Heart Association explains that too much sodium puts pressure on the kidneys, eventually leading to water retention, high blood pressure and stroke. A temporary no-salt diet is also utilized in patients with thyroid disease, prior to undergoing a nuclear iodine test or radioactive iodine therapy.
Features
According to the American Heart Association, the average American adult can consume up to 2,300 milligrams of sodium per day. A no-salt diet contains no sodium. This can be challenging since virtually all foods contain some salt. The American Dietetic Association recommends eating whole, unprocessed foods such as fresh vegetables, fruits, poultry, fish, meats milk, yogurt and eggs. When cooking, do not add table salt or seasonings with salt to foods. Try herbs and spices or a combination.
Restrictions
Processed foods are completely restricted on a no-salt diet. The American Heart Association explains that some processed foods contain more than 700 milligrams of sodium per serving. The association recommends you avoid deli meats, buttermilk, cheese, canned fish, breaded meats, canned foods, salted snacks and condiments. If you are undergoing radioiodine therapies, your doctor will also instruct you to avoid sea salt. In such cases, seafood is also restricted from your diet.
Risk Factors
Certain individuals need less sodium in the diet than others. According to the American Heart Association, middle-aged Americans, the elderly and African-Americans are more likely to develop problems related to sodium in the diet and are more susceptible to high blood pressure. Generally, the association recommends these individuals consume no more than 1,500 milligrams of sodium a day to avoid health problems. Should high blood pressure or heart disease develop, the association explains that your doctor will likely recommend a no-salt diet. Keep in mind that some prescription medications may also contain traces of sodium.
Considerations
Sodium is prevalent in the United States, due to the vast amount of packaged foods. When embarking on a no-salt diet, the American Heart Association suggests you look for hidden sources of sodium. In addition to sodium chloride, found in table salt, other sources of sodium include baking powder, baking soda, monosodium glutamate (MSG) and disodium phosphate.
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