SODIUM
Most of us get more sodium than we need. While adding salt to your food is a source of sodium, it may not be the main reason that your sodium intake is high. Packaged and prepared foods such as ready-to-eat products or restaurant meals are common sources of sodium.
Sodium is added to packaged foods during processing such as in curing meat, baking, thickening, enhancing flavor, as a preservative, or to keep foods moist.
Some common foods that Are Often High in Sodium | ||
---|---|---|
packaged or prepared meat, poultry, and seafood products | pizza | pre-packaged rice or pasta dishes |
salad dressings and seasonings | sauces and gravies | soups |
sandwiches | taco mixes |
You can lower the amount of sodium you eat and drink.
- Use the Nutrition Facts label to compare the sodium in packaged foods and beverages.
- Buy low-sodium, reduced sodium, or no-salt-added products.
- Look for fresh, frozen, or canned vegetables without added sauces or seasonings.
- Choose fresh or frozen poultry, seafood, and lean meats instead of prepared or ready-to-eat products.
- Cook more often at home to control the sodium in your food.
- Add herbs and spices instead of salt to recipes and dishes.