Easy On The Salt

Too much of everything is not good, I'm sure you know that already. If you love salty foods and you go beyond the recommended daily allowance of 2000 to 3000 milligrams [that's about a teaspoon] you are prone to hypertension or high blood pressure. According to studies, lowering our lifetime intake of salt by just 1300 milligrams [or half a teaspoon] will reduce blood pressure.

To avoid the dangers of too much salt, here are some easy steps I got from Dr. Gerry H. Tan's article in Food Magazine. This will help us control our salt intake and move towards a healthier heart.

1. Limit your salt intake to 1/2 to 3/4 of a teaspoon per day. This should include the salt used in cooking and in condiments and dipping sauces.
2. Don't make a drastic cutback. Decrease your salt intake gradually. It will take 4 to 6 weeks before your taste buds adjust to less salt in your diet.
3. Substitute lemon, herbs or spices for salt. your meals will not only be healthier but will also have added flavor.
4. Eat more fruits and vegetables. These contain less salt than any other food on your table.
5. Use your common sense. Stay away from chips and processed foods - these junk foods are loaded with salt.
6. If you like processed canned foods, read the labels. You'll see that they're loaded with sodium. A simple technique like rinsing canned tuna, for example, will go a long way in removing excess sodium.