Search Results for: blog confessions of a reformed salt addict

U.S. Foodmakers Asked to Cut the Salt

Most people in America eat two teaspoons of salt every day. That’s more than twice what your body needs to be healthy! And no, most of us aren’t getting all that salt out of a shaker. We’re not snacking on salt-pops or drinking salt soda. More than three-fourths of the salt in the American diet comes from common processed foods. Health experts and advocates are concerned. They are hoping that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration will respond to a petition asking for government intervention in regulating sodium levels. The Center for Science in the Public Interest filed the petition … Continue reading →

How much salt are you eating?

Yes, salt is a necessary nutrient. But most of us eat far more salt than we actually need to be healthy. Most of us can eat as much as 6-9 grams of salt a day when we only need less than 3 grams. The Nutrition Facts Label lists a recommended daily value of 2,400 mg (2.4 grams) of sodium per day. That’s about 1 teaspoon of salt each day. Too much salt in your diet can cause fluid retention, and in about 50% of us, high blood pressure. It may also be a factor in osteoporosis because it causes us … Continue reading →

Sneaky Sodium Cuts

A tip of the hat to the Sneaky Mama — she’s got lots of great tips for sneaking healthy stuff into your favorite recipes! I’m thinking today about sneaking something OUT of my favorite foods: salt. Cutting your added salt intake by half can make a big difference in your risk of stroke, heart disease, and heart failure. According to a study from Shiraz University in Iran, just six weeks of reducing your salt intake can lower your systolic blood pressure by eight percent. That cuts your stroke risk by a third and your heart disease risk by a quarter. … Continue reading →

New Guidelines for Resistant High Blood Pressure

The American Heart Association has new guidelines for treating resistant high blood pressure. What is resistant high blood pressure (also known as resistant hypertension)? There are two different types. One type of resistant high blood pressure remains above the normal or target level despite using up to three medications. Another type of resistant high blood pressure requires four or more medications to reach a normal or target level. Studies suggest that as many as thirty percent of people with high blood pressure may have resistant hypertension. Resistant high blood pressure isn’t the same as uncontrolled high blood pressure, mind you. … Continue reading →

Reducing Sodium Around the World

A high sodium diet isn’t just a problem in the United States — it is a problem around the world! Too much salt can contribute to serious health issues like high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke, and kidney failure. Technological advancements have helped reduce sodium levels in foods. In the 1960s, salt was used generously in frozen vegetables. Better freezing techniques have reduced the amount of sodium in frozen vegetables by more than seventy-five percent. That doesn’t mean all frozen veggies are safe and healthy — check the sodium content in sauces. Around the world, governments are making an effort … Continue reading →

Is This A Healthy Diet?

We all know eating healthy foods is a good way to stay in peak form. But, some people stray from a healthy diet because they don’t necessarily enjoy eating items considered “good for you” foods. (Tofutti anyone?) The other day I was listening to a radio show that featured a dietician who claimed that “good mood” foods were just as important for people as “good for you” foods. She said these so-called “good mood” foods enable you to go from down in the dumps to the top of your game in just a few bites. So, what are “good mood” … Continue reading →

New Heart Guidelines For Women

Heart disease is the number one health threat for women — one in every three women in America dies of heart disease. But heart disease and stroke are preventable. The American Heart Association released new guidelines to help women keep their hearts healthy and happy for a long time. The new guidelines have three elements: a healthy lifestyle, taking care of major heart disease risk factors, and using appropriate medication. Taking care of your heart starts early: if you are age twenty or older, see your doctor to talk about your heart disease risk. Only one in ten women will … Continue reading →