Low sodium diets are often recommended for patients with heart, kidney or liver disease. Too much sodium in the diet can lead to fluid retention, and too much fluid can place a strain on these organs. A physician or registered dietitian can make recommendations on low sodium foods as well as how much sodium to consume based on personal health.
Fresh Fruits and Vegetables
Sodium intake should not exceed 2,500 mg per day for healthy individuals, and those with heart disease might need to lower intake to 1,500 mg or less, says the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. Because processed and canned foods can be high in salt, go for fresh fruits and vegetables whenever possible. A general guideline is to get four to five servings of vegetables a day and four to five servings of fruit. A serving is the equivalent of one cup of a vegetable, one medium-size fruit or ½ cup of fruit juice. When preparing vegetables, use herbs or salt-free seasoning for flavor and avoid shaking salt on food when cooking or dining. Dried herbs such as garlic, rosemary, dill and parsley tend to be low in sodium. Sprinkle lemon juice or use pepper to add more flavor to meals.
Unsalted Snacks
Items such as unsalted nuts and air-popped popcorn are good low-sodium snack choices. Some crackers, chips, cookies and other popular snack foods come in reduced-sodium options as well. It is important to become an educated consumer and read nutrition labels. Claims on the packaging such as "low sodium," "reduced sodium" and others do not always guarantee that the product is a good choice. The National Kidney Education Program recommends going by the Percent Daily Value of sodium per serving. If a serving has 5 percent or less, it is considered a low-sodium product, while foods that have 20 percent or more are considered high-sodium foods.
Fresh Meats and Fish
To meet daily protein needs, choose fresh meats, fish and poultry and aim for two to three servings per day. If buying canned or frozen varieties, look for low-sodium options. The Cleveland Clinic suggests rinsing frozen and canned foods before cooking them to reduce salt intake. Avoid lunch meats, ham and hot dogs, as all tend to have a high sodium content.
Whole Grains and Sweet Potatoes
The right level of potassium in the body helps to keep sodium levels in check. Patients who are following a low-sodium diet might need to increase potassium intake to fully manage their condition. Foods such as whole grains, winter squash, sweet potatoes, avocados and citrus fruits are all good sources of potassium. In some cases, potassium supplements can do more harm than good, so always check with a health care provider before increasing potassium intake.
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