Too much salt is not good for your health. This is especially true for people who have high blood pressure. Cutting back on how much you reach for the saltshaker is a good start. Dr. Regis Fernandes, a Mayo Clinic cardiologist, says beware of other places salt may be hiding.
Most Americans each too much salt, that’s according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Not good, says Dr. Fernandes, when you consider what salt does to your body.
“Salt increases our blood pressure, and high blood pressure is associated with higher cardiovascular risk,” says Dr. Fernandes.
He says most Americans consume 3,400 milligrams of salt a day, while the recommended amount is 2,300, the equivalent of 1 teaspoon. It’s even lower at 1,500 if you have high blood pressure. And Dr. Fernandes warns most sodium intake doesn’t come from the saltshaker.
“Most of the salt we get is from processed foods, from sauces and restaurants and things like that, eating out,” Dr. Fernandes says.
Dr. Fernandes says even the slightest drop in salt intake can help lower your blood pressure and improve heart health. He recommends gradually cutting back on salt and always checking food labels.
Related posts:
- Mayo Clinic Q and A: Congestive heart failure and diet
- Kids and sodium: Serious risks, alarming realities
- Mayo Clinic Minute: Hold the salt to help your heart
The post Mayo Clinic Minute: Is salt sneaking into your diet? appeared first on Mayo Clinic News Network.
“Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network.” Republished with permission[/vc_message]
Disclaimer
The information contained in South Florida Reporter is for general information purposes only.
The South Florida Reporter assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions in the contents of the Service.
In no event shall the South Florida Reporter be liable for any special, direct, indirect, consequential, or incidental damages or any damages whatsoever, whether in an action of contract, negligence or other tort, arising out of or in connection with the use of the Service or the contents of the Service. The Company reserves the right to make additions, deletions, or modifications to the contents of the Service at any time without prior notice.
The Company does not warrant that the Service is free of viruses or other harmful components
This article originally appeared here and was republished with permission.
