A diet high in sodium can lead to many serious health issues. These days, it is can be difficult to avoid the dreaded sodium and although it is important for your health, too much or consuming this in excess is where the problems lie.
Sodium: Needed, but in small amounts.
Sodium is important for health as it supports the right balance of fluids in your body, it helps transmit nerve impulses and it influences muscle contraction and relaxation.
Your kidneys naturally balance out the amount of sodium storage in your body. However, if your sodium intake is in excess, this puts pressure on your kidneys and they may not be able to eliminate enough sodium through your urine. This can result in health problems such as high blood pressure, heart problems, and stroke.
Which Foods Have the Most Sodium?
- Frozen Dinners. They are easy, quick and oh so convenient. Just a few minutes in the microwave and they’re done! However, they are overloaded with sodium! Read the labels to be sure how much sodium these foods are giving you.\
- Packaged Cereals. Before purchasing these marketing produced so called health foods, check the labels. You might be surprised by how much sodium is added!
- Canned Vegetable Juices. Although these are great in theory as they can get your quota of vegetables in, they can also be high in sodium. Opt for fresh fruit juice instead.
- Canned Vegetables. Though they are a handy substitute to fresh vegetables, especially when one particular veg is out of season, they are often very high in added sodium. Check the labels before purchase. Many canned vegetables are sodium free.
- Packaged Deli Meat. Although handy and often tasty, these packaged meats are detrimental to your health. Jam packed with additives including high sodium.
- Go Nuts. Rethink those salted cashews or peanuts and opt for raw instead.
A great tip for cutting back on sodium intake is to choose fresh as much as is possible. That includes fresh meat as opposed to deli meat. Also, read the label on packaged foods before purchasing.
For more information on sodium, contact your naturopath or nutritionist.
