The Dangers of a High Sodium Diet
For many in today’s world, increasingly overwhelmed by busy schedules, it is easier to do a fast-food run than make a meal from scratch. But the truth is, most fast foods are so high in sodium that we can end up paying for that convenience with our health. According to the FDA, most Americans have a daily sodium intake of “3,400 mg, and the recommended amount for a normal healthy adult is less than 2,300 mg (1 teaspoon) and it is even lower for children.”
Sodium can cause your blood vessels to become stiff, and it raises blood pressure over time. This can have dangerous effects on your cardiovascular system. Salt can reduce the nitric oxide levels in our bodies. “Nitric oxide is a signaling molecule that regulates blood flow and tissue oxygenation.”
Besides keeping our blood vessels healthy and flowing, nitric oxide is a vasodilator, keeping our vessels from getting rigid or hard, regulating our blood pressure, and preventing blood vessel blockages. It is amazing how our bodies can make such an important molecule whose only job is to keep our vascular system healthy. A diet that is excessive in salt can disrupt this beneficial molecule and cause us harm.
When analyzing your diet for high-sodium items, it is important to be cautious of processed foods and snacks, which usually have increased levels of salt. It is crucial to look at the food labels, so you know exactly what you are consuming and whether it is a wholesome food choice. Fresh fruits and vegetables are always a wonderful option. You can also buy fresh berries and freeze them to enjoy later. Also, when buying canned foods, always look for “low sodium” or “no salt added” labels for nutritious food selections. Fresh lean meats and whole grains that have not been seasoned are safe ways to control the amount of salt that you consume. Low sodium does not have to be boring; you can add flavor to meals using fresh low-sodium spices like basil, garlic, paprika thyme, rosemary, and lemon to heighten flavors without drowning your meals in salt. Be careful to read labels when using seasoning salts or spice mixtures because they often have a high sodium content.
The foods you choose to eat will either contribute to your health or take away from it. So, it is vital to be aware of what you consume and how often you consume it. Dietary changes can often be the best gifts that we can give ourselves and the ones we love.