Last spring a report came out indicating that sodium might not be such a big concern to diet. However, a closer look at the Institute of Medicine (IOM) report finds that the conclusion of the scientific group was that the Evidence showing clear “cause and effect” between high sodium intake and disease is lacking.
This conclusion might sound convincing but what it really means is that studies have thus far not been designed to demonstrate a “cause and effect” outcome. Studies thus far have shown an indication or association between too much sodium and heart disease risk, so this new report shouldn’t really change how you look at your sodium intake.
Currently Americans consume, on average, 3400 mg/day of sodium, this is in excess of the recommended 2300 mg/day. While sodium is found in all foods except for fruit, the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans reported the top food sources of sodium were-
* Yeast breads
*Chicken and chicken dishes
* Pizza
* Pasta and pasta dishes
You might be surprised to see some of these foods on the list but one of the reasons several of them make the list is that we consume too much food from that group. Read more here - http://www.cnpp.usda.gov/Publications/DietaryGuidelines/2010/PolicyDoc/Chapter3.pdf
Changing sodium intake takes a little time – taste buds have to adjust – so try these tips.
* Reduce intake slowly
* Use salt in cooking or at the table
* Read labels
* Try herbs and spices in place of salt
* Learn the right portions for bread and other grain foods
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