The body requires a small amount of sodium, but most Americans consume far greater amounts than is needed for good health. A low-sodium diet may be prescribed; it is often used in conjunction with a low-calorie or low-fat diet. If you are going on a low-sodium diet on your own as a way to improve your health or reduce future health risks, you can make gradual changes such as skipping table salt and purchasing low-sodium options at the grocery store. If your physician has orders you to drastically lower your sodium levels, however, you may have a challenging adjustment. In time, your taste buds will become accustomed to lower salt and you may begin to prefer low-sodium foods.
Types of Low-Sodium Diets
Sodium-restricted diets vary widely. Your physician may order a "no added salt" diet, meaning that you can eat the foods you desire as long as you don't add table salt. Alternatively, your physician may tell you to reduce your sodium to 500 to 2,000 mg per day. Low-sodium diets that allow 1,500 or 2,000 mg of sodium per day are fairly easy to follow, but diets of 1,000 mg or less require significant variance from the typical American diet.
Reasons for a Low-Sodium Diet
Some adults are sensitive to sodium and suffer high blood pressure when they consume more than their bodies need. Other reasons for a low-sodium diet include kidney problems, congestive heart failure and heart disease. Excessive sodium can cause fluid retention, which can lead to swollen extremities and difficulty breathing. Sodium interferes with some prescription medications.
Foods to Eat
Most fruits and vegetables are naturally low in sodium. Eat them raw or boil, bake or microwave these foods without added salt. Beef, pork, chicken, turkey, fish and eggs are naturally low in sodium, but salty solutions are sometimes added to poultry. You can eat whole wheat bread and rolls on most sodium-restricted diets. Many diets can tolerate a small amount of dairy products, such as skim milk, although those with severe sodium restrictions may have to find other calcium sources. Prepare beans and lentils without added salt. Choose salt-free nuts, popcorn and gelatin for snacks.
Foods to Avoid or Limit
Like many diets, the low-sodium diet is largely focused around the foods you should avoid or limit. Many processed foods are on the "bad" list including canned soups, salty condiments, many frozen dinners, boxed products like as macaroni and cheese, and processed meats. Many restaurant foods are high in sodium; common offenders include buffet items, French fries, sandwiches, meat loaf, fried chicken and nachos. Sodium levels in buttermilk, cottage cheese, canned vegetables and biscuits are too high for some individuals.
Member Comments