Inspira Health Network, Inc.

FALL 2017

Spirit of Women magazine is a national publication presented to women by hospitals and their physicians. The magazine provides up-to-date, evidence-based healthcare information and promotes our hospitals as leaders in women's health excellence.

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8 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.

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