Low Sodium Diet
Salt continues to be an inelastic demand however
a low sodium diet is arguably the preferred option for those wanting to stay
disease free. To further elaborate, Salt is a rich source of sodium and is
integral to healthy living nevertheless when consumed in excess it could well
lead to an array of disease conditions. Some of the major lifestyle disease
conditions which are closely associated with a high intake may include the
likes of high blood pressure and heart disease. On the contrary even those with
normal blood pressure values stand to gain by adopting a diet which is low in
sodium. The recommended range is 1,500 to 2,300 mg of salt. Too much salt in a persons diet can cause the body to hold water. Many weight loss products have diuretics in them causing rapid weight loss at 1st because the body rids itself of this excess water.
FRESH AND CANNED
One of the maladies of present day living is fast food and canned food. As the name suggests canned food is usually preserved food packed in cans and the salt content is extremely high. This is not surprising considering that salt acts as a preservative and is important for preserving perishable food.
Conversely fresh fruits and juices have
found flavor through the ages and continue to be considered as the perfect
option for those seeking a low sodium diet. On the contrary foods with a
significantly high salt content may well include smoked meats, sausages and beef jerky in addition
to tomatoes and cheese and are best avoided.
MYTHS AND FACTS
Contrary to popular belief home water
softeners need to be used with caution considering that studies validate the
fact that water from home softeners is not always healthy considering that it
can add salt to the water thus increasing the probability of salt and water
retention in addition to aggravating hypertension. Thus it is more than evident
that low sodium diets would need to be supplemented with bottled water and not water
sourced from home softeners.
LOW SODIUM DIETS AND HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE
While the debate continues studies have
validated beyond reasonable doubt that high sodium content can trigger and
aggravate blood pressure values. The scientific logic is that when excess of
salt is eaten it invariably leads to high sodium content within the blood
vessels as compared to the surrounding tissues. This in essence leads to
increase flow of water from the tissues into the blood vessels thus leading to
an increase in blood volume within the blood vessels thus leading to an
increase in blood pressure.
Concurrently the presence of high sodium content within the vessels results in local irritation of the walls of the vessels and hence constricts them thus increasing the blood pressure further. Thus it is scarcely surprising that low sodium diets are usually prescribed for those with a history of high blood pressure or hypertension, as it is better known in medical terminology. If you must eat foods like french fries, peanuts, jerky and other salty foods just eat the low salt version or the no salt version. If you go out to eat just ask for no added salt versions of the meals. Most restaurants that cook from scratch will be happy to accommodate you. They know that if they satisfy you that you will probably be back.