Sodium- The Right Intake for Health

Sodium is a substance that is present in many foods, and in addition it is also 40% component in salt. The sodium which we find in salt is actually called sodium chloride.

As you may know too much sodium or salt is bad for your health. So how much is right to eat for one day? The answer is simple, an amount of about 2400 mg per day is normal for adults. But how much is 2400 mg? Take a teaspoon of salt- that contains 2400 mg sodium, so you should eat no more than that per one day. However, you have to also consider the fact that many foods have added salt in them, so altogether, the amount of salt or sodium that you eat in one day, should be around 2400 mg. in order to be able to know how much salt or sodium there is in each food, you have to check out the label and then do the Maths.

A special care must be taken in case you suffer from hypertension or high blood pressure. In this case, the amount of salt and sodium should be reduced. So, you should be looking for a low sodium diet and low sodium foods. Low sodium foods are of course the natural foods: the vegetables, the fruits, unprocessed meat, dairy products and others. Or, instead of searching for low sodium foods, you can replace the sodium that you eat with potassium. Potassium has properties similar to sodium and does less damage to health. So replace your sodium chloride salt with potassium salt, and your health will improve. Well, you have to know that potassium does not taste quite like sodium chloride salt, but it is edible.

An excessive intake of sodium can also do some damage to the bones. A high amount of sodium will lead to calcium loss in the urine and might contribute to osteoporosis. This may be prevented by a high intake of calcium and vitamin D, and then, the high sodium intake will not affect the bones.

On the other hand, people with low blood pressure can increase a bit the amount of sodium intake, in order to increase their blood pressure. Sodium deficiency is very rare, as sodium is to be found in very many foods.

All in all, the sodium or salt intake should be limited and this will help you keep your bones and your heart healthy.

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