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Low Sodium Diet
The average American eats over 3,400 mg of sodium per day according to the American Heart Association. That is more than 1,000 mg over the suggested 2,300 mg recommended for healthy adults. Surprisingly, the bulk of this sodium intake is not coming from the salt shaker. It comes from added sodium used in the processing and preparation of commercial foods. Food that come in a box or can usually have additional sodium added for flavoring and preservation. Too avoid excess sodium eat a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, cook at home instead of eating out, and avoid processed foods.Â
Low sodium diets have clinically proven to reduce the risk of adverse cardiac events, such as heart attacks and strokes. The goal is to limit your sodium to 1,500-2,000 mg per day. Check the sodium content and serving sizes on food labels. Season food with herbs, spices, or lemon juice instead of salt. Avoid high sodium food like deli meat, soy and other sauces, chips, and processed baked goods. Every little bit counts! If 2,000 mg seems like an unattainable goal, remember that reducing your sodium intake by just 750-1,000 mg has been shown to reduce the risk of heart attack, strokes, and other cardiovascular events by 25-30%.