When you have adjusted to cutting back on salt added to food, eliminate high salt foods from your diet. Mrs Dash, Lawry's Natural Choice, and Nile Spice seasonings. Try growing your own herbs, make your own blend of seasoning, sprinkle fresh lemon or lime juice on cooked rice, potatoes, vegetables, fish or chicken. Use wine as flavouring in marinades, stewed meats and sauces. Use fruit as a sauce for meat, add curry to meat, poultry or fish.
Sodium is a chemical that is naturally present in our bodies.
It is required for maintaining blood pressure, regulating fluid balance and for proper nerve and muscle function. Excess sodium in our body can lead to fluid or water retention, in turn causing extra work for the heart and contributing to high blood pressure or hypertension in some individuals. Read labels carefully. Ingredients are listed giving those in largest volume first, so if sodium is near the top, avoid that product. Drugs such as laxatives, antacids and effervescent salts may contain sodium.