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Sharing Health Secrets
A:
Q:
A:
Q:
How much is a healthy quantity
of salt?
According to the AHA, the average American
consumes more than 3,400 mg of sodium daily,
while the recommended amount is 1,500 mg.
That's less than three-fourths of a teaspoon per
day! However, if you sweat a lot—in competitive
athletics or in a hot outdoor job—you may need
more sodium than the average American and
should discuss that with your doctor.
A:
Q:
I rarely reach for the salt shaker.
So does this apply to me?
Yes. Packaged and processed foods often are
high in sodium, as are foods served in restaurants.
If you eat out or on-the-go a lot, you probably
are over the limit even if you don't think you're
consuming a lot of salt. AHA research suggests
that 54 percent of people thought they were
consuming less than 2,000 mg per day when their
total was higher. Relying on a diet that's high in
whole foods, along with fresh fruits and vegetables,
is the best route to both moderate sodium levels
and overall good health.
Do I need to watch my salt intake
if I don't have any health problems?
A:
Q:
OK, but those guidelines are for
people with existing risk factors
and ailments. I'm healthy.
In April 2017, new research (conducted on Russian
cosmonauts over many years) was published in
The Journal of Clinical Investigation . It found that
eating more salt didn't necessarily make the men
in space thirstier, but it did make them hungrier.
Even if they were eating the same amount of
food as those who were eating less salty food,
they reported being hungrier. Scientists feel this
research is very preliminary and will require follow-
up, but some believe it could lead to a link between
reducing sodium consumption and weight loss.
To send a health question to "Sharing Health Secrets," please email
plawrence@relevatehg.com or write to Sharing Health Secrets,
Spirit of Women magazine, 4270 Ivy Pointe Blvd., Suite 220,
Cincinnati, OH 45245.
The real truth about
cutting down on salt
It depends. Salt, in moderation, is essential for
keeping nerves and muscles functioning and
preventing dehydration. But too much of a good
thing can be too much. In January 2016, the
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
and the Department of Agriculture released
new guidelines aimed at helping to stave off
chronic disease, and reducing sodium was part
of that plan. In fact, the American Heart
Association estimates that if the U.S. population
were to reduce sodium intake to 1,500 mg per
day, the incidence of high blood pressure would
decrease by 26 percent.