Salt/Sodium

In my previous blog, I discussed the importance of monitoring your sugar intake. So let’s talk about the importance of managing your sodium intake as well. I am sharing insight on these two highly used and abused ingredients because several years ago, I experienced health issues that led me to an unexpected doctors report of being border line diabetic and with high blood pressure.

I cannot stress enough how important it is to always check your blood levels and follow up with your doctor on your overall health especially if you are experiencing any underlying health issues.

Sodium:

Table salt is a combination of two minerals- sodium and chloride Your body needs some sodium to work properly. It helps with the function of nerves and muscles. It also helps to keep the right balance of fluids in your body.

Salt:

Table salt or common salt is a mineral composed primarily of sodium chloride (NaCl), a chemical compound belonging to the larger class of salts; salt in its natural form as a crystalline mineral is known as rock salt or halite. Salt is present in vast quantities in seawater, where it is the main mineral constituent.

Too Much Salt/Sodium Effects:

Salt can cause many health issues if consumed too much. Small changes to your body and health can lead to bigger risk and issues such as hypertension and heart disease.

Blurred Vision
Dizziness
Headaches
Bloating
Weight Gain

This can lead to major health risk such as;

Clogged Arteries
High Blood Pressure
Stroke/Heart Attack
Stomach Cancer

Reduce Salt/Sodium Intake:

Needless to say, Salt/Sodium is in everything. You can’t live without it. So it is important that you learn to live with it by reducing your consumption. According to the American Heart Association, the recommended amount of sodium an adult should have is no more than 2,300 milligrams a day and an ideal limit of no more than 1,500 mg per day for most adults.

Ways to reduce your salt/sodium:

Check food labels/gram amounts
Exercise
Drink plenty of water
Control your stress
Control your cravings
Eat/Cook natural/Sodium free foods
Avoid processed and pre packaged foods ( ie; canned vegetables, frozen packages,)
Try to steer clear from from the salt shaker!

Sources:

https://medlineplus.gov/sodium.html

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salt

https://www.powerofpositivity.com/what-too-much-salt-does-to-your-body/

https://healthyforgood.heart.org/eat-smart/infographics/effects-of-excess-sodium-infographic

https://sodiumbreakup.heart.org/how_much_sodium_should_i_eat