| High Blood PressureArticle (updated Frequently)
|
| To Salt Or Not To Salt: That Is The Question, but What Is The Answer? |
| By: ARA |
(ARA) - Americans love salt. It’s in the news, it’s in our food, and it’s a part of our culture. It’s estimated that the average American consumes more than 4,000 milligrams of sodium a day. The Food and Drug Administration’s recommended daily allowance is 2,400 milligrams, or about one teaspoon.
Recently, salt has been in the news as experts debate its role in high blood pressure. Researchers have studied the causes of high blood pressure extensively over the past three decades. Scientific studies have confirmed and denied a connection between salt intake and high blood pressure, leaving many to wonder: should I reduce sodium in my diet?
* Interpreting the DASH Study
One of the most recognized salt studies to date is the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) study, sponsored by the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, part of the National Institutes of Health. The goal of the study was to define the relationship between diet, sodium intake and high blood pressure.
The DASH study participants followed either a typical American diet or the DASH diet, which is rich in fruits, vegetables and low-fat dairy products, as well as low in red meat and sweets.
Experts viewed the study results, published in 2002, in different ways. Dr. David McCarron, professor of medicine at the Oregon Health Sciences University, said changes in diet appeared to have had a greater impact on blood pressure compared to restricting sodium intake alone. In fact, a low-fat diet lowers blood pressure more significantly than simply cutting back on salt.
Since a low-fat diet has other benefits, including disease prevention, Dr. McCarron suggests it makes more sense to encourage people to change to a healthier diet. By embracing a diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables and low-fat dairy foods, overall health can be improved.
* Identifying Sources of Sodium
The DASH study also noted that the bulk of sodium in most diets comes from processed foods, where it is used as a flavor enhancer, preservative and stabilizer. For those looking to reduce sodium in their diet, one of the most effective methods is simply changing your food-shopping habits. Some tips include:
* Read the label. Sodium levels in convenience foods vary widely. A half-cup of one brand of spaghetti sauce has 820 milligrams of sodium while another has only 390 milligrams.
* Wash it away. Many canned vegetables are packed in a salt and water solution. By simply rinsing any canned vegetable with tap water before cooking, you can remove as much as 40 percent of the sodium.
* Purchase no-salt-added products. This gives you control over the salt in your food. You can always salt to suit your taste.
While sodium consumption is not a health issue for everyone, an appropriate amount of salt is important for maintaining a healthy diet. Experts suggest a healthy diet should include 2,000 to 3,000 milligrams of salt per day. If your physician has put you on a no-sodium diet, it is important to follow those orders directly.
For those who would like to reduce their sodium intake without compromising food flavor or salting habits, there are alternatives, such as Diamond Crystal Salt Sense.
“Whereas many salt substitutes use formulas that often lack quality taste, Salt Sense is 100 percent real salt that offers 33 percent less sodium by volume,” says Ramona Bennett, marketing manager for Diamond Crystal. “This is the one salt alternative that allows you to add the same amount of salt to your food -- like corn on the cob -- that you normally would and still reduce your sodium intake.”
A brochure with some helpful tips for reducing sodium in your diet and tips for following the DASH diet is available free of charge. You can receive a copy of “The Shake Down on Salt” brochure simply by calling toll-free (888) 385-SALT (7258).
Courtesy of ARA Content
About the author:
Courtesy of ARA Content
|
|
| Keywords: 'high blood pressure' sodium, high blood pressure, blood pressure extensively, blood pressure, high blood, blood pressure researchers, blood, sodium intake, salt, 'high blood pressure' |
Amazon.ca: The High Blood Pressure Solution: Natural Prevention and Cure With the K Factor: Books
The High Blood Pressure Solution: Natural Prevention and Cure With the K Factor, Richard D., M.D. Moore
Amazon.com: The High Blood Pressure Solution: Natural Prevention and Cure With the K Factor: Books
... The High Blood Pressure Solution: Natural Prevention and Cure With the K Factor (Paperback) ... of Minnesota Hospital. The High Blood Pressure Solution should be required reading for ...
High blood pressure home remedy tips, herbal remedies, natural cure and more...
Cure High blood pressure using home remedies and herbal remedies. Natural cure is a form of alternative medicine gaining popularity all over the world. ... make sure that high blood pressure is cured permanently, one ... Nature Cure tips to control frequent High blood pressure. Disclaimer: The use of any of the natural treatments discussed ...
Herbal Remedies for Hypertension, Blood Pressure, Herbal and Natural Cure
Herbal Remedies Recommended for Hypertension, Blood Pressure, Herbal and Natural Cure Free Shipping ... Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a serious condition that affects 50 ... Read More on High Blood Pressure Natural Cure, Herbal Remedies, Diet Control, Natural tretment, Herbs ...
High Blood Pressure Natural Cure, Herbal Remedies, Diet Control, Natural tretment, Herbs
Herbal Guide to Hypertension, Blood Pressure -Prevention -Natural Remedies,Herbal Supplements,Prevention, Diet, Lifestyle, Advice ... Online Health Store for Effective Natural Remedies. Herbal Supplements ... Read More On High Blood Pressure, Causes, Symptomes, Treatments, High Blood Pressure Cure and Other Alternative ...
WebMD Live Event: The High Blood Pressure Solution
Join us for a discussion with Richard D. Moore, MD, PhD, author of 'The High Blood Pressure Solution: Natural Prevention and Cure With the... Attend The High Blood Pressure Solution online at WebMD.
High Blood Pressure Solution: Natural Prevention and - Book at Yahoo! Shopping
Yahoo! Shopping is the best place to comparison shop for High Blood Pressure Solution: Natural Prevention and - Book. Compare products, compare prices, read reviews and merchant ratings.
Natural Remedies for High Blood Pressure Medication Treatment
... Proven natural remedies for high blood pressure medication and treatment. ... being. Reduce high blood pressure. Tone and ... Reduce blood 'stickiness' and improve blood flow through the ...
Additional Links >>
Click here to add your link to our directory >>
Blood Cholesterol Diet High High Pressure | Blood Cholesterol Diet High Pressure | Blood Cholesterol High Pressure | Blood Clinical High Pressure Trial | Blood Coffee High Pressure | Blood Cold High Medicine Pressure | Blood Considered High Pressure | Blood Control High Pressure | Blood Controlling High Pressure | Blood Cure High Pressure | Blood Dangerous High Pressure | Blood Decongestant High Pressure | Blood Diabetes High Pressure | Blood Diastolic High Pressure | Blood Diet High Pill Pressure | Blood Diet High Pressure | Blood Drug High Pressure | Blood During High Pregnancy Pressure
|
