Why is important to limit my sodium?
In some people, too much sodium leads
to or aggravates high blood pressure.
Having less sodium in your diet may help
you avoid high blood pressure. People
with high blood pressure are more likely
to develop heart disease and stroke.
In some people, too much sodium leads
to or aggravates high blood pressure.
Having less sodium in your diet may help
you avoid high blood pressure. People
with high blood pressure are more likely
to develop heart disease and stroke.
How much sodium do I need?
The average American eats about 2,900 to
4,300 mg of sodium, or about 6 to 10
grams of salt, daily.
Healthy Americans should try to eat less
than 2,300 mg of salt per day.
Some people — African Americans, middle-
aged and older adults, and those with
high blood pressure — need less than
1,500 mg per day.
Your doctor may tell you to cut salt
out completely.
The average American eats about 2,900 to
4,300 mg of sodium, or about 6 to 10
grams of salt, daily.
Healthy Americans should try to eat less
than 2,300 mg of salt per day.
Some people — African Americans, middle-
aged and older adults, and those with
high blood pressure — need less than
1,500 mg per day.
Your doctor may tell you to cut salt
out completely.
| Check out these facts about sodium and health issues, provided by the American Heart Association (www.heart.org) |
What are sources of sodium?
Most of the sodium in our diets comes
from adding it when food is being
prepared. Pay attention to food labels,
because they tell how much sodium is in
food products.
Here’s a list of sodium compounds to limit
in your diet:
• Salt (sodium chloride or NaCl)
• Monosodium glutamate (MSG)
• Baking soda
• Baking powder
• Disodium phosphate
• Any compound that has “sodium” or
“Na” in its name
Most of the sodium in our diets comes
from adding it when food is being
prepared. Pay attention to food labels,
because they tell how much sodium is in
food products.
Here’s a list of sodium compounds to limit
in your diet:
• Salt (sodium chloride or NaCl)
• Monosodium glutamate (MSG)
• Baking soda
• Baking powder
• Disodium phosphate
• Any compound that has “sodium” or
“Na” in its name
What foods should I limit?
• Salted snacks
• Fish that’s frozen, pre-breaded, pre-
fried or smoked; also fish that’s canned
in oil or brine like tuna, sardines or
shellfish
• Ham, bacon, corned beef, luncheon
meats, sausages and hot dogs
• Canned foods and juices containing
salt
• Commercially made main dishes like
hash, meat pies and frozen dinners with
more than 700 mg of sodium per serving
• Cheeses and buttermilk
• Seasoned salts, meat tenderizers and
MSG
• Ketchup, mayonnaise, sauces and
salad dressings
• Salted snacks
• Fish that’s frozen, pre-breaded, pre-
fried or smoked; also fish that’s canned
in oil or brine like tuna, sardines or
shellfish
• Ham, bacon, corned beef, luncheon
meats, sausages and hot dogs
• Canned foods and juices containing
salt
• Commercially made main dishes like
hash, meat pies and frozen dinners with
more than 700 mg of sodium per serving
• Cheeses and buttermilk
• Seasoned salts, meat tenderizers and
MSG
• Ketchup, mayonnaise, sauces and
salad dressings
| What else can I do? • Avoid adding table salt to foods. • Use salt substitutes (with your doctor’s approval) or herbs and spices. • Eat fresh lean meats, skinless poultry, fish, egg whites and tuna canned in water. • Choose unsalted nuts and low-sodium peanut butter. Cook dried peas and beans. • Use products made without added salt; try low-sodium bouillon and soups and unsalted, fat-free broth. • Rinse canned vegetables, beans and shellfish to reduce salt. |
| Take care of your heart, and it will take care of you!! |
| Health and Wellness Facts |
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