Low Salt Diet

About this topic

Sodium is a type of mineral found in many foods. It may also be called "salt. " � It helps keep the balance of fluids in your body. Too much sodium may be bad for your health. You may have to limit the amount of sodium in your food. � �
Salt is known as sodium chloride. It is measured in grams (g) or milligrams (mg). Salt or sodium comes from 3 main sources: � �

10% is naturally found in food.
15% is salt that we add to our food when we eat or cook.
75% comes from processed foods. These may have very high amounts of sodium.

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What will the results be?

This diet may help lower your blood pressure. It may also help reduce extra water in your body. This may help kidney, heart, or liver problems. � �

What changes to diet are needed?

You need to know how much sodium is in the food you eat. Read food labels with care. Choose foods that have 5% or less sodium in one serving. Remember, if you eat more than one serving, you will be getting more sodium. It may take a while for your sense of taste to get used to food with less sodium. Be patient with yourself. You may be surprised at how well you will do. � �
Try to aim for a diet that has 2000 mg (2 g) or less sodium in it each day. The Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has set up guidelines for food labels. These will help you make healthy choices. Look for these terms on food packages: � �

Sodium-free: Less than 5 mg in each serving. These are safe to eat.
Very low sodium: 35 mg of sodium or less in each serving. These are safe to eat.
Low sodium: 140 mg of sodium or less in each serving. You need to eat these with care.
Reduced sodium: At least 25% less sodium than is most often found in each serving. These foods are still high in sodium.
Light in sodium: 50% less sodium in each serving.
Unsalted, no added salt, and without added salt: No salt is added during processing but the food may still have sodium. Read the food label and check the sodium content before eating.

What foods are good to eat?

You can control the amount of sodium in foods you make at home. Fresh foods that you cook are most often lower in sodium. � �

Regular bread, unsalted crackers, bread sticks, dry cereal, cooked rice, pasta, and muffins
Fresh, frozen, low sodium, or salt-free canned vegetables. Limit vegetable juice or tomato juice to1/2 cup each day.
Fresh, frozen, canned, or dried fruit without salt added
Nonfat or low-fat milk and yogurt, cottage cheese, cream cheese, mozzarella cheese, swiss cheese, low-fat ricotta, and low-sodium or low-fat cheese
Fresh or frozen beef, veal, lamb, pork, poultry, fish, shellfish
Low sodium canned meats, frozen dinners with less than 600 mg sodium
Unsalted corn, safflower, sunflower, and soybean oils and nuts and seeds
Egg and egg substitutes
Dried peas, beans, and low-sodium peanut butter
All plain oils and low-sodium salad dressing
Low-sodium broths, soups, soy sauce, condiments, and snack foods
Pepper, herbs, spices, vinegar, lemon or lime juice
Low-sodium carbonated drinks

What foods should be limited or avoided?

Foods that are prepackaged or canned are most often high in sodium. Other foods to avoid include: � �

Salted breads, rolls, crackers, biscuits, cornbread
Quick breads, self-rising flours, biscuit mixes, regular bread crumbs, instant hot cereals
Commercially prepared rice, pasta, or stuffing mixes; potatoes and vegetable mixes
Regular canned vegetables and juices, vegetables with sauce, and pickled vegetables
Processed fruits with salt or sodium
Malted and chocolate milk and buttermilk
Regular and processed cheese and spreads
Smoked, cured, salted, or canned meat, fish, or poultry such as bacon, sausages, sardines, chipped beef, cold cuts, and frozen breaded meats
Salted and canned peas, beans, and olives
Salted snack foods, olives, and nuts
Oils mixed with high-sodium parts such as salad dressing
Meat tenderizers, seasoning salt, and most flavored vinegars
Commercially softened water

What can be done to prevent this health problem?

Check with your doctor before using salt substitutes. Also, check the labels when taking over-the-counter (OTC) drugs such as laxatives and antacids. These can have high sodium content. � �

When do I need to call the doctor?

Call your doctor if you have questions about this diet. Talk to a dietitian. They can help you find hidden sources of sodium in the food you eat. � �

Helpful tips

Use the nutrition facts labels as a guide to look for foods lower in sodium.
Do not use salt when eating or cooking.
Select fresh fruits and vegetables for snacks.
If you are eating out, ask the chef to cook your food without salt, or choose foods without sauces.
Season your food with herbs and spices.

Where can I learn more?

Heart and Stroke Health Check Program � �
http://www.healthcheck.org/page/sodium-tips � �
National Heart Lung and Blood Institute � �
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/hbp/prevent/sodium/sodium.htm � �
NHS Choices � �
http://www.nhs.uk/livewell/goodfood/pages/salt.aspx � �

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. � �

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