Sodium, represented as Na on the period table of elements, is vital to the functioning of the human body, according to the National Institutes of Health's MedlinePlus service. It helps regulate blood volume and pressure and plays a large role in the functioning of muscles and nerves. Excessive amounts of sodium can lead to medical problems such as kidney stones and heart conditions. If your sodium levels are too high, your doctor may prescribe a sodium-restricted diet.
Sources of Sodium
Most foods contain some form of sodium. It occurs naturally in many foods, and manufacturers add it during processing to others. Understanding where your sodium comes from is important to maintaining a sodium-restricted diet. MayoClinic.com explains that approximately 77 percent of sodium intake comes from processed and prepared foods. Natural sources, which account for about 12 percent of your intake, include dairy products, shellfish and meat. Salt added during cooking and while eating account for about 5 and 6 percent respectively.
Daily Recommendations
The average, healthy adult should consume less than 2300 mg of sodium each day, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. African Americans, adults over age 40 and those with high blood pressure should not consume more than 1500 mg per day. Your physician will determine your personal sodium intake recommendations based on your medical condition.
Reasons for a Sodium-Restricted Diet
A physician may prescribe a sodium-restricted diet as a preventative measure or as part of a treatment regimen for an existing medical condition. In addition to preventing or controlling high blood pressure, a sodium-restricted diet may also be used to prevent osteoporosis and kidney stones, according to the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University. Excessive salt intake increases the amount of sodium excreted by the kidneys, which may play a role in loss of bone density and formation of kidney stones.
Monitoring Your Sodium Intake
The best source of information regarding the sodium content in your food is the nutrition label on the package. The label lists sodium content in milligrams and by percentage of the recommended Daily Value, or DV. The United State Department of Agriculture's Dietary Guidelines explains that foods low in sodium have fewer than 140 mg or less than 5 percent of the DV. Keep in mind that manufacturers calculate the DV based on the 2300 mg recommended for healthy adults. Do not assume all products are equal, as manufacturers add different amounts of sodium to products. For example, one brand of tomato soup may contain significantly more sodium than another does.
Tips for Success
The American Heart Association recommends avoiding processed or pre-packaged foods such as soups, sauces and preserved meats. Buy fresh as often as possible and prepare the foods yourself without adding salt. Raw fruits and vegetables are a good snack alternative to chips and nuts. Remove the saltshaker from your table and experiment with other herbs and spices to enhance flavor. When dining at a restaurant, look for low-sodium options and request that your meal be prepared without salt if possible.
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