Elders Need to Reduce Sodium Intake, pt. 2

Sodium does occur naturally in most foods. Milk, beets, and celery all naturally contain sodium, as does drinking water, although the amount varies depending on the source. Vegetables, dairy products, and shellfish all provide natural sources of sodium. Fast foods are generally very high in sodium.

The most common form of sodium is sodium chloride, which is table salt. However, sodium is also added to various food products. For example, items such as Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, onion salt, garlic salt, and bouillon cubes contain varying amounts of sodium.

Limiting sodium is difficult because sodium is present in nearly all foods, so it’s easy to go overboard. Both in the kitchen and at the table, many recipes call for salt and many seniors (and young people!) add salt to their food. Too much sodium can aggravate high blood pressure in people who are sodium-sensitive. In these individuals, the higher the sodium intake, the higher the blood pressure. In addition, a high-sodium diet can cause your body to lose calcium from bones, increasing your risk for osteoporosis. A serious build-up of fluid caused by excessive sodium can negatively impact people with congestive heart failure, cirrhosis, or kidney disease.

Dealing with Aging Parents

My mother has congestive heart failure, and at times high blood pressure. I am constantly nagging her to reduce her sodium intake. Moderate sodium intake through proper diet management will greatly assist the body’s metabolism. Reducing blood pressure reduces the risk of stroke, heart disease, and kidney disease.

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