According to the TV show The Doctors, sodium consumption has shot up by more than 50% in the past few decades, and it's a dangerous trend. According to MayoClinic.com, just one teaspoon of table salt contains 2,325 mg of sodium. Physicians on The Doctors are encouraging everyone to take the Halt the Salt! pledge to drop consumption to only 1500 mg of sodium per day.
Image courtesy of www.thedoctorstv.com
You'd be surprised which foods pack a lot of sodium. The vast majority of your salt intake comes from processed foods. Many diet foods and low calorie dishes add in extra sodium for flavor. Also, some natural foods are high in sodium like milk and shellfish. Another source of sodium is the salt we add ourselves while cooking. Many spice collections like cajun spice blends or taco seasoning are high in sodium.
The Doctor's want you to take the Halt the Salt Pledge which includes:
- Eat no more than 1,500 mg of sodium per day.
- Compare nutrition facts labels and choose lower-sodium items. Print out a quick label reference guide!
- Eat and serve your family three to five servings of vegetables and two to four servings of fruit each day.
- Spread awareness and encourage others to "Halt the Salt" by adding a "Halt the Salt" Twibbon to Facebook and Twitter.
- Let food companies know that you want less salt in your food.
Make a point to choose lower sodium options for your health. MayoClinic.com recommends stepping down gradually from your salt addiction and says that after a few weeks, you won't miss it.
