Sodium Sodium what do you know about sodium?

Sodium is the chemical element from which table salt or sodium chloride is derived.
Sodium/salt are pretty much used interchangeably but be careful because it exists in many forms!

All forms of salt: table salt, sea salt, kosher salt, half salt, garlic salt,are all salt it doesn't matter if they are "natural" or not..it's salt!

The body uses and functions on a SMALL amount of sodium for normal blood pressure, fluid and electrolyte balance, acid/base balance and functioning of the nerves. However, finding this amount of sodium needed for functioning is rarely ever a problem and most people have the opposite problem!

There is a direct link between amount of sodium consumed and blood pressure. While some people are genetically prone to having high blood pressure, blood pressure can be controlled via a low sodium diet. Too much salt can cause serious diseases specifically Hypertension (HTN) or high blood pressure, which can lead to further complications such as diabetes, stroke, obesity, renal failure, and cardiovascular diseases just to name a few!

1 in every 3 Americans have HTN which can be diagnosed by a blood pressure >140/90mmHg.

Here are some useful tips when controlling the amount of sodium in your diet:

Be aware of the following ingredients listed on food labels which are all forms of hidden salt!

• monosodium glutamate or MSG
• disodium phosphate
  
• baking soda
• brine
• baking powder
• sodium benzoate
  

Additionally things such as seasonings, condiments, meats, fish, poultry, dairy, eggs all have hidden sodium in it that you don't think about-but it all adds up!

• The recommendation of 2400mg or 2.4 g of sodium per day has been shown to pose no risk of adverse health affects. Sadly, the average American consumes double that!

Have a good night!
~Kristin

~Kristin