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A Salty Situation: Too Much Sodium in the Diet Can Lead to Hypertension
More
than 50 million Americans have high blood pressure, which contributes
to the risk of heart disease, kidney disease and stroke. Excess sodium
intake can lead to this condition.
The
body requires only 500 milligrams of sodium each day. The American
Heart Association recommends no more than 2,400 milligrams of sodium
per day, but most of us take in more than 4,000 milligrams every day.
Limit
your sodium intake by avoiding these foods: all prepared foods,
packaged foods, potato chips, pretzels, popcorn, canned soups and
vegetables, frozen meals, cured and smoked meats, bacon, ham, sausage,
smoked fish, and natural and processed chesses.
Hold
the salt shaker. Rather than adding salt to your food, try these
alternatives: citrus juice to brighten flavor, fresh herbs for a savory
punch, salt-free seasoning blends, onion and garlic.
Remember that not all foods that contain sodium have a salty taste, so check nutrition labels.
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