Low salt diet

Alternate Title

Synonyms

Diet, low sodium diet, salt, sodium.

Background

A low sodium diet has been shown to significantly reduce an individual's chance of developing coronary heart disease. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), there are no adverse effects associated with a low sodium diet,

Adults need less than 2,400mg of sodium per day, according to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI). This amount could fit into a teaspoon. Most Americans eat about four or five times the amount they need. Table salt is just one source of this mineral in the American diet. Almost every non-fresh food purchased at the grocery store contains added amounts of sodium, which are disproportionate to the body's level of need. Such an overuse of this mineral has serious medical ramifications.

Sodium is crucial for a proper fluid balance in the body and the healthy functioning of muscles. However, most Americans consume significantly more of this mineral than is necessary, or even healthy.

Salting food or purchasing high sodium products is not necessary to receive adequate amounts of this mineral. Americans receive enough sodium in their diets by eating a healthy balance of fruits, vegetables, grains, protein, and milk without any additives.

A low sodium diet has been shown to significantly reduce an individual's chance of developing coronary heart disease. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), there are no adverse effects associated with a low sodium diet,

Adults need less than 2,400mg of sodium per day, according to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI). This amount could fit into a teaspoon. Most Americans eat about four or five times the amount they need. Table salt is just one source of this mineral in the American diet. Almost every non-fresh food purchased at the grocery store contains added amounts of sodium, which are disproportionate to the body's level of need. Such an overuse of this mineral has serious medical ramifications.

Sodium is crucial for a proper fluid balance in the body and the healthy functioning of muscles. However, most Americans consume significantly more of this mineral than is necessary, or even healthy.

Salting food or purchasing high sodium products is not necessary to receive adequate amounts of this mineral. Americans receive enough sodium in their diets by eating a healthy balance of fruits, vegetables, grains, protein, and milk without any additives.

Theory/evidence

The NIH places a strong emphasis on the reduction of salt intake as a means of preventing, as well as recovering from, coronary heart disease.

The NHLBI notes that sodium intake must be at or below 1,500mg per day in order to fully benefit from a low sodium diet.

Content licensed from:

This feature is for informational purposes only and should not be used to replace the care and information received from your healthcare provider. Please consult a healthcare professional with any health concerns you may have.