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Most Americans should consume less sodium. Too much sodium is bad for your health. It can increase your blood pressure and your risk for a heart attack or stroke. While the RDA of sodium is 2300 mg/day, many persons should consume less than 1500 mg/day. Those are persons with high blood pressure, African Americans, persons over 50, or if your health care provider recommends it for other medical reasons. Most of the sodium we eat comes from packaged, processed, store-bought and restaurants foods. Only about 5% comes from salt added during cooking and about 6% comes from being added at the table. For examples and tips, see the "Salt Shockers Slide Show" at www.webmd.com/diet/slidesh low-salt-shockers.
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On the other hand, eating a diet from The DASH plan helps to reduce your risk of heart attack. It is rich in fruits, vegetables, fat-free or low-fat milk and milk products, whole grains, fish, poultry, beans, seeds, and nuts. It also contains less salt and sodium; sweets, added sugars, and sugar-containing beverages; fats and red meats than the typical American diet. To learn more about the DASH Eating Plan go to www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/public/heart/hbp/dash/dash_brief.
In summary, to reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke from too much sodium, know your recommended limits for daily sodium intake. Choose foods like fresh fruits and vegetables. Read the nutrition label of the foods you purchase. Ask for foods with no or low salt at restaurants.
February 10, 2010
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