Benefits of a Low Sodium Diet

When shopping for food, most of us look at the calorie, fat, carbohydrate and protein content.

But what about sodium?

It is recommended that that we consume 1500-2500mg of sodium daily, yet the average person's intake is a soaring 4000mg! It's obvious that we are not aware of the sodium content in our favourite foods.

Sodium is essential in small amounts, It helps to maintain the correct level of fluids in our bodies, assists with transmitting nerve impulses, and influences the contraction, and relaxation of muscles.

However, a diet high in sodium is known to cause: High blood pressure, with all of the medical risks associated with the condition, and bloating, caused by water retention.

A diet low in sodium prevents heart disease and from a weight loss/maintenance prospective, keeps bloating at a minimum, avoiding the dreaded "water weight."

It's important to be able to spot the sodium. Read labels to find out if the serving is too high. In addition to a quick check, read food labels for the following ingredients:

- Monosodium glutamate (MSG)
- Baking soda
- Baking powder
- Disodium phosphate
- Sodium alginate
- Sodium nitrate or nitrite

Avoid a high sodium intake by cooking with less salt and even more importantly, avoiding frozen and processed foods. Frozen dinners are packed with sodium for flavour and a longer shelf life. It's amazing how much can be in these frozen entrees. I really love the President's Choice Blue Menu vegetable lasagna, until I read that my share of the tray equals over 1000mg of sodium! This is a meal advertised as healthy! It only goes to show, that packaging is deceiving, and we need to be more vigilant with our grocery shopping.

Shop Smart!

Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Benefits-of-a-Low-Sodium-Diet&id=2941406
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