Many of us eat about 3500 milligrams (mg) of sodium every day.  Almost one-fourth of that comes naturally in our food.  The rest is added at the table with the saltshaker or is added when foods are made or processed.  Salt is sodium chloride.

All of us should be aware of the amount of salt in our diet.  It is very important for those of us that have heart disease, kidney disease, high blood pressure, liver failure, or long-term steroid use.  Your doctor will tell you how much salt you can have in a day.

How will a low sodium diet help me?

• Help lower your blood pressure.
• Help prevent your body from keeping extra water and fluids.
• Help the meds you take work better.
• Decrease your risk for kidney stones and bone loss.

How can I lower the salt in my diet without loosing flavor?

Tips to cut major sources of salt from your diet.

• Use fresh foods.
• Use frozen foods that are plain and nothing added.
• Use canned goods that are “with no added salt”.
• Use fresh chicken, fish, and lean meat.  Avoid canned or processed meats.
• Use herbs spices, and salt-free seasoning blends when cooking and at the table.
• Cook rice, pasta, and hot cereal without salt.
• Cut back on instant or flavored rice, pasta, and cereal mixes.
• Choose “convenience” foods that are low in sodium.
• Cut back on frozen dinners, pizza, packaged mixes, canned soups or broths, and salad dressings.
• Rinse canned foods, such as tuna, to remove some sodium.
• Look for low-sodium, reduced-sodium, or no-salt-added foods.
• Choose ready-to-eat breakfast cereals that are low in sodium.
• Avoid commercially processed, high sodium foods (see following list).  
  

What foods should I avoid?

Tip:  the above are allowed when it is “salt-free”           

What do I need to know about “salt substitutes”?

Anyone with liver disease should NOT use salt substitutes. 

Table salt is sodium chloride.  Many times salt substitutes are potassium chloride.

Anyone with kidney disease or anyone watching their potassium intake must choose salt substitutes that are low in potassium.  The products listed below with an asterisk (*) contain high amounts of potassium and should not be used without your doctor’s okay.

How do I find out how much sodium or potassium a product has?

Learning to read food labels and the nutrition facts is key. 

Begin by looking at the serving size and sodium content.  The sodium content is given in milligrams or mg.

Next, look at the ingredient list of a product for the words SALT or SODIUM. 

Other products to be aware of that contain sodium include:

• Salt (sodium chloride)
• Monosodium glutamate (MSG)
• Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate)
• Baking powder
• Sodium propionate