You've probably heard all the news stories about the fact Americans consume way too much salt. I admit I am a salt lover--not quite a salt-aholic. I don't carry a salt shaker in my purse, but I do crave salty snacks more than sweet. I always thought I was managing my cravings within healthy guidelines, but now I am wondering.
How much is too much salt?
Less than a teaspoon of salt a day is okay. That translates into a maximum daily dose of about 2,300 mg of salt for healthy adults according to the recommendation from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Service's Dietary Guidelines for Americans.
I am guessing I probably get more than a teaspoon of salt a day in the packaged foods I love like cheese, crackers, cereal, and soups. Salt is added to practically everything. Even bread and chocolate. I'm afraid to check the sodium amounts on the cartons of ice cream in my freezer!
If you eat in a restaurant, you probably are getting too much salt in your diet. Before you place your order, consider the ingredients. You can also check out the sodium levels in restaurant meals as reported in an online resource such as the Center for Science in the Public Interest.
The bottom line: Shop for low-salt alternatives. Read package labels for sodium content. Buy more REAL FOOD like fruits and veggies.
For more tips on how to slash the salt in your diet check out these links