Here's How You Can Reduce Your Sodium Intake
Sodium is one of the most important nutrients. However, sodium can also damage our health when consumed in excess. Experts said that excessive consumption of it can cause high blood pressure, increased risk of heart disease, and stroke. One study also suggested that high sodium intake may lead to a higher death rate.
Here are the 4 effective tips to reduce your sodium intake:
1. Make requests when dining out
Some restaurant meals have excessive sodium in your diet, so making a request when ordering can go a long way.
"Most chefs will easily comply with skipping that step of salting food before it is served," said Stephanie Ferrari, a Massachusetts-based registered dietitian. "Also, don’t be shy about asking your server which menu items have no added salt."
2. Try to use alternatives to add flavor
There are various herbs and spices that can serve as natural salt alternatives. Moreover, citrus can also add some flavor to your meal.
3. Prepare your own foods
High levels of sodium are often found in takeouts, packaged foods, and processed snacks. Some of these foods include popcorn, instant foods, potato chips, bread, pizza, and canned soups.
Preparing your own food may help you limit your salt intake. Try to reduce the portion size of foods that may contain salt, and also try to consider getting rid of the salt shaker from the dinner table.
4. Check the nutrition facts labels
The recommended daily value for sodium is less than 2,300 milligrams (mg) a day. According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), following the reference amounts provided by the daily values helps you stay under your salt limits. The FDA also suggests taking note of the serving size listed on the labels.
World without salt is just tasteless. The key here is to avoid excessive consumption. Not to avoid consumption entirely.
I understand. Some people have a deficiency or an excess of chemicals in their bodies and even just a little is already excessive for them.
I don't think just a little will ever be excessive for anybody. Just hose it down with an over the average amount of water and you're good to go.
Citrus just isn't enough as an alternative to salt. Sorry.
That's right! Sour isn't a replacement for salty.
I agree but people have different taste preferences.
A sour egg will never have the same value as a salted egg. And I think most people will agree which one is tastier.
Salted egg FTW!
Be careful it's not very healthy.
Too much salt is not healthy.
I understand. But different people have different taste preferences.
Nope, life without salt is just saltless :(
I agree. They're two very different tastes and shouldn't be alternatives to each other.
When it comes to preparing my own food, it's not really wise as I can't eat tasteless food. So I put too much salt in it. Not helpful.
Control is the key to everything.
Everything isn't a case or a door that needs to be opened.
Pandora's box?
Except that.