The American Heart Association recommends limiting sodium intake to ≤1500 mg/day for ideal heart health. The research between sodium intake and heart disease and hypertension is strong, but the link between sodium intake and stroke was not as strong….until now. Sodium is used as a preservative in a lot of foods and it most commonly found in processed, packaged, canned, and fried foods. The majority of Americans consume greater than 2300mg of sodium a day, thus well above where the AHA recommends. This study indicated that those who consumed above the recommendations had a greater risk for stroke. This study also indicated that those who’s sodium intake was higher, were also consuming a greater amount of calories, carbs, protein, fat, and saturated fat.
Overall, this study tells me that watching our sodium intake is even more important! The number one step for reducing sodium in your diet is to remove the salt shaker and/or use a salt substitute instead. Try to not cook with salt, instead cook with herbs and salt free seasonings such as Mrs. Dash. In addition, you’ll want to be more aware of your choices when eating out and choosing packaged foods. It’s ok to ask for special requests, ie- limit the salt or hold the salt. A greater intake of fruits and vegetables is also shown to be beneficial in improving hypertension and heart disease, so make efforts to get your 5 a day!
For the full study, click the link: http://stroke.ahajournals.org/content/early/2012/04/12/STROKEAHA.111.641043.abstract
-Kelsey
