Yesterday on The Heart Beat, we discussed the risks associated with excess sodium intake.
Sodium increases blood pressure by holding excess fluid in the body, causing strain on the heart. Too much sodium can add to your risks of stroke, heart failure, kidney disease and other potentially deadly ailments. Research indicates that the average American eats more than double the recommended daily allotment for sodium, which is about 1500 milligrams per day.
So, how can you be more sodium-aware? Start by paying close attention to foods which may have elevated levels of sodium, as listed on the nutrition label.
Yesterday, we mentioned that sandwiches, pizza and cold cuts are three foods which can have an overabundance of sodium. Here are three more...
Breads: Per serving, bread may not have an abundance of sodium. But, if you consume it across multiple meals each day, then the amounts begin to add up. Check labels to find lower-sodium varieties.
Canned Soups: The amount of sodium in one cup of canned soup can total up to 900 milligrams ...the latter being more than half of your daily recommended intake. Check soup labels to find lower sodium varieties. They are out there!
Poultry: Sodium levels in poultry – chicken, turkey, etc. – can vary based on preparation methods. Be mindful of nutrition labels, both on the bird itself, and in the ingredients you used to season and prepare it for the table.Connect with the American Heart Association by following us Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram. Text HEALTH to 27722 for healthy lifestyle tips and heart healthy information on the go! Links on this blog are not endorsements.