The best way to limit your sodium intake is to stop using the salt shaker

THE TRUTH – We eat too much sodium, but the salt shaker is not the biggest culprit. Sodium is everywhere, from milk, chips, turkey, salted nuts, pickles, dressings to ready-to-eat pasta or the Big Mac Combo…

Over 75% of the sodium we eat comes from processed foods, packaged and ready-to-eat foods, and restaurant meals; and only about 11% comes from salt added when cooking at home or salt shaker. Food industry adds salt to increase the flavor and shelf life, just like the tasty fries from McDonald’s! Studies have also shown that salt can be an appetite stimulant and full-scale assault on our taste buds, which make us want more and more food.

To limit the sodium you eat:

• Limit pre-packaged convenience foods and restaurant meals
• Opt for fresh rather than canned and frozen foods
• Flavor foods with fresh herbs and spices, lemon, lime, vinegar, or salt-free seasoning blends, which are sodium free.

By Ms. Ayla Coussa

Clinical Dietitian