Low-Salt Diet

Some foods naturally contain sodium. A low-salt diet allows the use of such foods plus not more than 1 teaspoon of salt in food preparation per day. A low-salt diet also refers to low-sodium diet, sodium-restricted diet, 2 g sodium-content diet, or 2000 mg sodium-content diet.

Sodium is concentrated in table salt (sodium chloride), monosodium glutamate (MSG), preservatives (sodium sulfate, sodium benzoate), baking soda and baking powder (sodium bicarbonate). These items are not included in the 2000 mg sodium allowance.

 

Some Tips for a Low-Salt Diet

• Limit the use of hidden sodium such as monosodium glutamate (MSG), preservatives, baking soda and baking powder, meat tenderizer.

• Enjoy the natural flavor of unsalted foods.

• Avoid sauce and table salt. Food seasoned with little salt is better than unseasoned food served with separate sauce.

• Eat fresh, natural food instead of processed (canned, smoked, cured) ones.

• Avoid salted fish.

• Have fresh fruits instead of baked products for dessert.

• Eat plain rice rather than buns, fried seasoned rice, instant rice, instant noodles and other instant cereals.

• Avoid commercial chips and crackers. They are high in salt.

• Minimize dining out. Regular commercial menus have more seasonings which are high in sodium.

• Read labels. Sodium can be found in food, water, medicines, toothpastes, and mouthwashes.

• Reduce sodium in diet, gradually.

• Eat more fresh fruits instead of rich desserts.

• Avoid tea, coffee, alcoholic and carbonated beverages (soft drinks).

• Drink at least 6 to 8 of water a day between meals. See The Importance of Water.

• Include a variety of foods each meal.

• Take time to enjoy your food.

This dietary management is good for Atherosclerosis, Congestive Heart Failure, Hypertension, Myocardial Infarction (Heart Attack), Glomerulonephritis, Kidney Stone Formation, Renal Failure.

Reference: Healing Wonders of Diet Effective Guide to Diet Therapy p.130 © 2003 Philippine Publishing House ISBN 971-581-013-6