One of the key recommendations in the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2010 is to "reduce daily sodium intake to less than 2,300 milligrams and further reduce intake to 1,500 mg among persons who are 51 and older and those of any age who are African American or have a [chronic disease]." The average American consumes about 1,000 mg more than the highest recommendation.
Sodium is found in table salt but is also added to a variety of foods during cooking or processing. You can find out how much sodium is in your food by checking its nutrition facts label and reading the % daily value which I explain here.
It's important to control sodium consumption because strong evidence shows that as sodium intake increases, so does blood pressure which in turn increases risk for cardiovascular disease, congestive heart failure, and kidney disease. Stay tuned to learn about the "Salty Six" and ways to control sodium without sacrificing the flavor in your diet!
Sodium is found in table salt but is also added to a variety of foods during cooking or processing. You can find out how much sodium is in your food by checking its nutrition facts label and reading the % daily value which I explain here.
It's important to control sodium consumption because strong evidence shows that as sodium intake increases, so does blood pressure which in turn increases risk for cardiovascular disease, congestive heart failure, and kidney disease. Stay tuned to learn about the "Salty Six" and ways to control sodium without sacrificing the flavor in your diet!