Shocking Salt-tistics

A healthier community begins with a healthy diet! Although nutrition guidelines are often confusing, one thing is crystal clear: controlling or monitoring your salt intake may significantly improve your health. It is well-known that eating too much salt increases blood pressure, a risk factor for heart disease and stroke, and in Richland County, where heart disease is the top killer of residents, controlling risk factors is a priority.

You may think you are out of danger because you steer clear of the salt shaker, but you may be mistaken. According to the Centers for Disease Control, almost 80% of the salt you consume is already in the foods you buy, especially processed and restaurant foods. A can of condensed tomato soup may contain as much as 1260 milligrams of sodium, almost a full days worth! Many of the foods that may be high in sodium may not even taste salty, such as salad dressings and breads.

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics recommends a daily sodium intake between 1500 and 2300 milligrams per day, depending on your health history, including problems with high blood pressure. Small changes can make a big difference when it comes to salt intake. Know your recommended daily intake and have your blood pressure checked. Choose fresh fruits and vegetables, and swap high sodium foods for those labeled “low sodium”. These foods have 140 milligrams of sodium or less per serving, and because you probably didn’t know many of the foods you eat had high sodium content, your taste buds probably won’t miss it! Read the Nutrition Facts on the packaging of the food you buy, and don’t add extra salt to foods. Consider using other herbs and spices to add taste to foods.

If you would like more information about reducing your salt consumption or about high blood pressure, or would like to use the Nutrition Quest Sodium Screener, contact Stephanie Ler, 433-2207.

For more information about disease prevention or National Public Health Week, visit the Richland County Health Department website at http://www.richland.org/health.