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What should you know about sodium and how can it harm your health? You might be eating more sodium than you need without ever picking up the salt shaker. According to the American Heart Association, more than 70 percent of the sodium we eat comes from packaged and restaurant foods. That can make it hard for us to control our sodium intake because it is added to our food before we buy it. Too much sodium is bad for your health, but what can you do to reduce the amount of sodium you eat? The following suggestions are ways to reduce your sodium:
Try following these tips when preparing foods while trying to limit sodium intake.
When eating out and placing your order, be sure to tell the restaurant to omit the extra salt. Always taste your food before adding salt. If you think it needs a boost of flavor, add freshly ground black pepper or a squeeze of fresh lemon or lime instead. When ordering, foods that are listed as pickled, barbecued, cured, smoked, or in broth, soy sauce or teriyaki sauce tend to be higher in sodium. Foods that are steamed, baked, grilled, poached, or roasted are normally lower in sodium. If you are hungry for more information about eating less salt, check out cookbooks and recipes from the American Heart Association. You will learn how to monitor the sodium you eat, reduce the high-sodium products in your kitchen, understand food labels, know which foods are salt traps and learn to keep sodium in check while eating out and plan lower-sodium weekly menus without losing the great taste.
This article was written by Markaye Russell, Area Nutrition Agent, Ouachita and Union Parishes and is referenced by the LSU AgCenter and the American Heart Association.
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