Sodium - why is salt intake important?
Sodium - Salt is an electrolyte composed of sodium and chloride. Salt is essential for numerous bodily functions including:
- Regulation of fluid within cells
- Absorption of nutrients in the small intestine
- Control of blood pressure
- Nerve conduction
- Extraction of excess acidity from cells
Whilst salt is an essential dietary component, studies have shown that Australians consume more than 8 times what is considered to be the healthy limit! Excess salt consumption has been linked to a wide range of health problems including: high blood pressure, kidney disease, heart disease, stroke, gastric cancer and osteoporosis
It is recommended that the daily salt intake should not exceed 1,600mg.
There are several ways to reduce your salt intake:
- Avoid adding table salt to your foods. Use herbs for flavor instead.
- Avoid takeaway and processed foods.
- Use fresh vegetables instead of the canned variety.
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