Elders Need to Reduce Sodium Intake, pt.1

Stop Adding Salt to Meals and Food Preparation

Sodium is an essential nutrient that regulates blood volume, blood pressure, and pH levels. Our bodies use the sodium to help control blood pressure and blood volume. Sodium is also needed for your muscles and nerves to work properly.

However, if you’re like many seniors, you’re getting far too much sodium than is needed or recommended. The average American gets about 3,400 mg of sodium a day. The body needs less than half of this amount. In truth, the body requires a mere 180 milligrams of sodium a day to function properly.

Reduce Salt Intake

There is so much sodium in foods we eat, you really don’t need to add table salt to your meals. I stopped adding salt to my meals years ago. My wife, on the other hand, adds table salt to every dinner. An over abundance of sodium can lead to serious health problems. Keep in mind… less is usually best.

The main sources of sodium come from processed and prepared foods. These foods are typically high in salt content. Processed foods include bread, meats such as bacon, sausage, and ham; prepared dinners like pasta and egg dishes; pizza, cold cuts; cheese, soups, and fast foods.

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