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What’s the Deal With Sodium?

Sodium plays an important role in our bodies. It helps maintain blood pressure and blood volume, and helps ensure our muscles and nerves work properly. Our bodies need just the right amount of sodium — too much or too little can impact our health.

Unfortunately, many of us consume way too much sodium. According to the American Heart Association, the average American gets about 3,400 milligrams of sodium every day. That’s more than double the daily recommendation of 1,500 milligrams.

Skip the salt

We should all work to monitor and reduce our sodium intake. And fortunately, there are many easy ways to eat healthier and cut back on salt:

  • Read labels and look for foods with less than 140 mg of sodium per serving.
  • Avoid adding salt to prepared foods.
  • Eat more fresh veggies, fruits and lean meats.
  • Avoid the “Salty 6,” which includes breads and rolls, pizza, cold cuts and cured meat, soup, poultry and sandwiches.
  • Rinse canned vegetables.
  • Try seasonings like vinegar, citrus juice, herbs and spices to flavor foods instead of salt.

As always, you should work closely with your doctor to create a diet that addresses your health needs. If you have questions about sodium or how to reduce salt from your diet, make an appointment.

You can find a physician by calling Tanner’s free, 24-hour physician referral line at 770-214-CARE (2273) or select Find a Provider. You can also learn more about the heart services available at Tanner online at TannerHeartCare.org.

Tanner Heart & Vascular Specialists has locations in Bremen, Carrollton, Villa Rica and Wedowee. For more information, visit HeartAndVascularSpecialists.org or call 770-812-9326.

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