Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Lower Your Sodium Intake

Too much sodium in your diet can cause high blood pressure, heart disease and kidney problems. Fortunately, there are some simple steps you can take to lower the sodium in your diet. You can be on your way to a healthier way of life in no time!


Instructions


1. Go for unprocessed foods. If your diet consists mostly of foods out of cans and boxes, start incorporating more fresh foods. Start with adding something to at least one meal each day, such as a fresh salad at dinner. Gradually add more.


2. Hide the salt shaker. If that seems unbearable, look for one with smaller or fewer holes so you will be likely to use less.


3. Experiment with herbs. The main reason we reach for salt is to add flavor, which can be done using herbs. An added bonus is that most herbs have healthful effects.








4. Skip fast food. Those drive through menus are not just loaded with artery-clogging fat. Those meal options are full of blood pressure-raising sodium as well.


5. Be aware of your condiment use. Many of these add-ins are chock-full of sodium. Use sparingly.

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