Allaine Mark

Ways to Eat a Low-Salt Diet Allaine Mark

Sodium is an essential mineral involved in many important bodily functions, including cellular function, fluid regulation, electrolyte balance and maintaining blood pressure. Because this mineral is vital to life, your kidneys tightly regulate its levels based on the concentration (osmolarity) of bodily fluids. Sodium is found in most foods you eat - though whole foods like vegetables, fruits and poultry contain much lower amounts. Plant-based foods like fresh produce generally have less sodium than animal-based foods, such as meat and dairy products. Sodium is most concentrated in processed and packaged foods like chips, frozen dinners and fast food where salt is added during processing to enhance flavor. Another major contributor to sodium intake is adding salt to food when preparing meals in your kitchen and as a seasoning before eating. A low-sodium diet limits high-sodium foods and beverages. Healthcare professions typically recommend these diets to treat conditions such as high blood pressure or heart disease.