Sodium is an essential mineral that we cannot live without. Sodium is what allows our nerves to send electrical signals throughout the body, our muscles to work, and it helps…
While sodium is indeed essential for our bodies to function properly, most Americans consume far too much of it. The recommended daily intake of sodium for adults is no more than 2,300 milligrams, which is about one teaspoon of salt. However, the average American consumes around 3,400 milligrams of sodium per day, much of it coming from processed and packaged foods.
Consuming too much sodium can lead to high blood pressure, which is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke. In fact, the American Heart Association recommends that people with high blood pressure should aim to consume no more than 1,500 milligrams of sodium per day.
So, what can you do to reduce your sodium intake? Here are some tips:
- Read labels: Look for foods that are low in sodium or have no added salt.
- Cook at home: Cooking your meals from scratch allows you to control the amount of salt that goes into your food.
- Use herbs and spices: Experiment with different herbs and spices to flavor your food instead of relying on salt.
- Choose fresh foods: Fresh fruits and vegetables, lean meats, and whole grains are naturally low in sodium.
- Rinse canned foods: If you do use canned foods, be sure to rinse them thoroughly to remove some of the sodium.