 |
NetWellness provides the highest quality health information and education services created and evaluated by faculty of our partner universities.
Friday, March 19, 2010
|
|
|
NetWellness provides the highest quality health information and education services created and evaluated by faculty of our partner universities.
Friday, March 19, 2010
|
Heart Failure |
Reduced Sodium Dieting01/07/2009 |
What foods are allowed on a sodium free diet?
Actually, it is not possible to have a totally sodium-free diet, nor is it recommended. Although there is not a Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for sodium, the estimated minimum requirement for adults is 500 mg. per day. Most Americans consume about 4000 - 6000 mg. of sodium daily. The recommended healthy level of sodium is 2400 mg. per day. Reasons to reduce your sodium intake further depend upon your health condition (such as high blood pressure, liver disease, kidney disease, congestive heart failure, and others) and should be discussed with your doctor. Sodium is found naturally in most foods including milk, bread, meat, and vegetables. Sodium is also found in salt (it makes up about 40% of the salt. In fact, one teaspoon of salt contains over 2000 mg. of sodium!), softened water, processed/convenience foods, fast foods, flavor enhanced foods (such as those using monosodium glutamate (MSG)), preserved foods, and even toothpaste! Therefore, a diet that is low in sodium takes careful planning (and food choices will vary depending upon how restrictive the diet must be). Choosing foods that are in their natural state, and not adding salt is a good way to begin limiting your sodium intake. If you are someone who needs to reduce your sodium intake, try these suggestions: 1. Select from a wide variety of foods from all food groups, including at least 5 servings of fruits and fresh vegetables each day (these are low in sodium). 2. Eliminate the use of the salt shaker at the table and in cooking. 3. Season your foods with fresh herbs, spices, or lemon juice to enhance flavor. 4. Choose from a wide variety of low or reduced sodium food products in the grocery store. 5. READ THE FOOD LABELS.check sodium per serving. 6. Avoid foods prepared in brine, salted or smoked meats and fish. 7. Avoid salted snack items such as chips, pretzels, popcorn, nuts, and crackers (choose unsalted varieties). 8. Avoid fast foods, convenience dinners, frozen TV dinners, and canned foods with salt added. 9. Avoid using bouillon cubes, canned and instant soups, seasoned salts, some condiments (soy sauce, BBQ sauce, ketchup, mustard, horseradish). Look for low sodium or sodium-free varieties. 10. Limit cheeses; select low sodium types. 11. When in doubt.Consult a Registered Dietitian (to find a Dietitian in your area, check out the ADA website listed below).
|
Jane Korsberg, MS, RD, LD Senior Instructor Department of Nutrition School of Medicine Case Western Reserve University |
|
|
|
Please note: only your personal physician or other health professional you consult can best advise you on matters of your health based on your medical history, your family medical history, your medication history, and how information from any of these databases may apply to you. Neither University of Cincinnati (NetWellness) nor any party involved in creating, producing or delivering this web site shall be liable for any damages arising out of access to or use of this web site, or any errors or omissions in the content thereof. (More) 
|