The Low Sodium Diet

Sodium is essential in your body. This mineral helps the body regulate your fluid balance. In certain conditions, excess sodium can cause the body to retain too much fluid. This may prove harmful for people who have high blood pressure or heart disease. People who have these conditions often require a diet very low in sodium. Restrictions of only two to four grams of sodium a day can help reduce the fluid retention and also aid in the relief of symptoms of high blood pressure. With sodium being so prevalent in many of our common foods today through preparation (adding table salt) and through processing (canned and frozen foods), this can prove to be a difficult achievement.

However, if you are aware of the sodium content of what foods you eat, it is an attainable goal. Table salt comprises the largest source of sodium in the every day diet. This must be restricted completely from a low sodium diet. Sometimes sodium occurs naturally in many foods. When purchasing an item at the grocery store, be sure to check its sodium content. One gram of sodium equals 1,000 mg so for a person who is only allowed 2 grams of sodium, that maximum mg amount is 2,000. As a good rule of thumb, look for items that have less than 300 mg of sodium per serving.

Some foods use sodium in their processing such as baking soda and baking powder. Be sure to check the food label before using any type of food. Even common medications such as antacids, laxatives and cough remedies contain sodium compounds. If you are unsure of the sodium content of your prescription drugs, check with your pharmacist.

Avoiding fast food restaurants is a positive step in the right direction since the foods served are found to be very high in sodium. Even water contains sodium! Especially in areas where a water softener must be used to rid the calcium in hard water. When purchasing bottled water, check the label to be sure it contains no sodium.

If you must use a salt substitute, talk to your physician prior to using it. Of course, there are other alternatives you can choose to add flavor to your food without adding sodium. Onion, garlic, lemon, vinegar, black pepper and parsley can also enhance the flavor of your food without adding unnecessary sodium. Make smart choices with your spices and you can reduce your risk of symptoms of high blood pressure.

There are also salt substitutes on the market, but you have to be careful with them. Many of these substitute potassium chloride for sodium chloride which is in regular table salt. Many people who have kidney problems have problems ridding their bodies of the large amount of potassium which you might consume. This build up of potassium might even result in a fatality. If you have problems with your kidneys, are taking medications for your heart, kidneys or liver, please check with your physician before substituting a potassium product for one with sodium.

If, on the other hand, you do not have any of those problems with your kidneys or liver and just need to cut down on your sodium intake then a salt substitute containing potassium should work for you - in moderation.