Overview of Sodium-controlled Diet - 2.0 To 2.5 Grams
Diets in which the intake of sodium is limited are referred to as sodium controlled diets. These diets may vary from low salt to salt free. They usually refer to situations in which the intake of sodium is limited to 2-2.5 grams of sodium per day. Sodium-controlled diets are used to reduce blood pressure in hypertension and to promote the loss of excess fluids in edema due to cardiovascular or renal disease. They are also useful in liver disease where fluid, or ascites, accumulates in the abdomen. Sodium-controlled diets may also enhance the action of some medications. Foods high in sodium content are omitted. One-fourth teaspoon of salt is allowed in the preparation of food or may be used at the table. Since sodium is widely distributed in foods, portions and number of servings are restricted according to the sodium content.
Causes of Sodium-controlled Diet - 2.0 To 2.5 Grams
Approximately 75% of the sodium Americans consume is added to foods during processing. The following list will help you interpret sodium information on food labels: Sodium Free - 5 mg or less of sodium per serving. Very Low Sodium - 35 mg or less of sodium per serving. Low Sodium - 140 mg or less of sodium per serving. Reduced Sodium - 75% less sodium than the original version of the product. No Added Salt or Unsalted - no salt is added during processing (but this does not guarantee the food product is naturally low in sodium). Salt substitutes should be approved by the health care provider. Salt-free herbs and spices may be used freely. Carefully reading labels is important as some salt-replacement seasonings contain sodium chloride. "Light" salts which are a mixture of potassium chloride and sodium chloride are also limited on sodium-controlled diets. Water supplies vary in natural sodium content. For the sodium content in your water supply, call your city's Water Department. Water softeners may add large amounts of sodium to the water. The sodium content of softened water ranges between 7 and 220 mg per quart. The company that installed your softener can tell you how much sodium is in your system. Distilled drinking water may be used for cooking and drinking when water supplies contain more than 120 mg sodium per liter and the diet is below 2.5 grams. The estimated average intake of sodium in the American diet ranges from 4 to 5.8 grams per day. The American Heart Association recommends that sodium intake should not exceed 3 grams per day. The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute recommends a maximum of 3.3 grams of sodium for healthy adults. Approximately 10% of the population has elevated blood pressure that is markedly affected by salt. Scientific debate continues about recommendations for everyone to cut back on the salt. There is still a great deal to be learned about how salt impacts on blood pressure. There is no simple inexpensive test to learn who is salt sensitive. Most experts believe it would be prudent to limit sodium intake. It is especially important for many elderly Americans, and those already afflicted with hypertension. Native Americans, especially those who develop the nephropathy of diabetes mellitus, are also at particular risk of hypertension. Treatment for hypertension is not limited to taking medicines and the control of sodium intake. Lifestyle and dietary treatments also play a role. Modifications of life style include cessation of cigarette smoking. Weight reduction, stress reduction and increased exercise. Reduction of alcohol consumption, generous amounts of potassium, calcium and magnesium are useful. While the medical management of high blood pressure has greatly improved, not all patients tolerate antihypertensive drugs the same. Changing lifestyle habits or diet will often result in a reduction in drug requirements and ,thereby ,decrease costs and adverse reactions.
Signs and Symptoms of Sodium-controlled Diet - 2.0 To 2.5 Grams
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Medical Content Last Updated on 07/12/2008
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