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In the 2000 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, the U.S. Departments of Agriculture (USDA) and Health and Human Services recommend that we choose and prepare foods with less salt.  Table salt contains sodium. What is sodium and how does it effect you?
Sodium is a mineral needed by the human body for regulation of fluid balance, contraction of muscles and conduction of nerve impulses. To maintain the sodium/water balance, excess sodium is removed via the kidneys.
What are some sources of sodium in our diet? The major sources of sodium in our diets are processed, prepared foods and the salt we add to food during cooking or at meals. Sodium also comes from a variety of other sources. Baking soda, some seasonings, antacids, and condiments can contain large amounts of sodium. Some prescription and over-the-counter drugs also contain sodium. Reading food and medication labels prior to purchase will help you make low sodium choices.
Why is it important to follow a lower sodium diet? The human adult needs 500 to 1000 milligrams of sodium per day. A daily sodium intake between 1,100 and 3,300 milligrams is considered safe and adequate. This is equal to the amount of sodium in approximately 1/2 to 1 and 1/2 teaspoons of table salt. In actuality, the average American consumes 2,500 to 5,000 milligrams per day. Reducing sodium in the diet may reduce high blood pressure in some people. This in turn can decrease the likelihood of heart or kidney disease and stroke. A low-sodium diet may need to be combined with weight loss and exercise or medication to decrease blood pressure. Taste for salt is acquired. Like drinking diet soft drinks and decreasing use of sugar, taste for salt can be relearned. By cutting down on salt use gradually, the taste buds have time to adjust.
What are the effects of too much sodium? Some salt or sodium is needed for body water balance. But when your kidneys lose the ability to regulate sodium and water, you may experience the following: * thirst * fluid gain * high blood pressure By using less sodium in your diet, you can control these symptoms.
some contents from McKinley Health Center Web Site at: http://www.mckinley.uiuc.edu, and the USDA
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