Salt of the Earth Are you getting too much sodium?

 

 

All of the experts are saying that 2008 is the year of sodium—or rather, the year of less sodium. We're paying more attention to the sodium in our diets, and how too much of it can lead to health issues including high blood pressure.

 

For most of us, sodium means the same thing as salt, and when we're focused on reducing sodium, it means cutting back on salt.

 

Salt is more widespread than just in your salt shaker, though. Some of our favorite foods are quite high in sodium—barbecue sauce, ketchup, pickles, soy sauce and teriyaki sauce to name a few! Physicians recommend that we keep to 2,300 milligrams of sodium per day, yet 2 tablespoons of teriyaki sauce contain 1,380 alone!

 

If you're trying to keep a lid on the salt you consume, here are some suggestions:

• Refill your table salt shaker with a salt substitute.
• Look for low-sodium and sodium-free varieties of your favorite foods.
• Drain and rinse canned beans and vegetables before preparing them.
• Request salad dressings and sauces on the side, so you don't eat the whole serving.
• Use flavorful herbs instead of salt when you cook.

Do you know your salt?

• Table salt is what most of us use.
• Kosher salt has coarser grains, and therefore, contains less sodium per teaspoon (because there's less salt in the spoon).
• Sea Salt is essentially the same as table salt, but it comes from evaporated ocean water, instead of rock salt.
• Low-Sodium salt substitutes contain 20 to 100 percent less sodium than table salt.
• Seasoned salt is a blend of salt, herbs and spices, so teaspoon per teaspoon, it has less sodium than table salt.