Salt is everywhere in the food we eat. A day does not pass where I am instructing my own patients, as well as their family, on how to maintain a low sodium diet. For patients with advanced liver disease and cirrhosis, we strive for a diet with no more than 2000 mg of sodium daily. In some cases, we need to go even lower. There is always great confusion regarding salt and sodium, and the foods to stay away from. Many times, patients will state "I haven't used salt in years", yet on a quick scan of their diet history, they are well over 2000 mg. How does this happen, you ask? I do not doubt the patient is telling the truth and retired their salt shaker years ago, yet the sodium content of prepared foods is huge, and this is what throws most everyone over the limit. Eating out regularly, or consuming prepared foods that you nuke, are all loaded with sodium. In addition, both of these activities will lead to obesity.
Fresh fruits and vegetables are always best, and very low in sodium. Frozen vegetables are second best are generally low in sodium as well. Anything in a can needs to be avoided. Start reading food labels, and you will be shocked how much sodium a serving of canned soup contains.
Lunch meats over the years have gotten better with regard to sodium content. I have always been a fan of Boar's Head products. While I am not giving a blanket endorsement to all of their products, selective use of them can be OK. Their Ovengold Roast Breast of Turkey provides 350 mg of sodium in a 2 oz serving. It is low in fat and provides 15 grams of protein.
Beyond patients with liver disease, everyone should seriously consider reducing the sodium content in their diets. The American Heart Association has many wonderful links on the merits of a low salt diet. It's not easy to omit salt if you are used to it, but after a couple of weeks of a low salt diet, your taste buds will reset and the food will once again taste better.
Lastly, beware of salt substitutes. Table salt is sodium chloride (NaCl). Many of the salt substitutes in potassium chloride (KCl). The potassium content, for some individuals, may interact with other medications raising the potassium level to dangerous levels. For added flavor, avoid the substitutes and use Mrs. Dash, a salt free product. Of course, learn to cook with peeper, garlic, and all of the other salt and sodium free condiments available to you.
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