A low-sodium diet restricts the amount of sodium (salt) in your diet. On this diet, you should aim to consume no more than 2,300 milligrams (mg) of sodium per day. This is the amount in about one teaspoon of table salt.
Sodium is a mineral found in many foods. Most people consume much more sodium than they need. Diets high in sodium can increase blood pressure and lead to edema (water retention). A high-sodium diet can also increase your risk of stroke . Reducing your sodium intake can help:
Foods highest in sodium include table salt (about 50% sodium), convenience foods, preserved foods, and processed foods. Examples of processed foods include:
Food Category | Recommended Foods | Foods to Avoid |
---|---|---|
Grains |
|
|
Vegetables |
|
|
Fruits |
| None |
Milk |
|
|
Meats and Beans |
|
|
Fats and Oils |
|
|
Snacks, Sweets, and Condiments |
|
|
Beverages |
|
|
RESOURCES:
American Dietetic Association
http://www.eatright.org/
American Heart Association
http://www.americanheart.org/
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Dietitians of Canada
http://www.dietitians.ca/
Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada
http://ww2.heartandstroke.ca/splash/
References:
American Dietetic Association. Nutrition Care Manual website. Available at: http://www.nutritioncaremanual.org . Accessed January 13, 2010.
American Heart Association website. Available at: http://www.americanheart.org . Accessed December 8, 2009.
Last reviewed January 2010 by Maria Adams, MS, MPH, RD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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