It’s lunchtime, and like millions of Americans daily, you choose a ham or turkey sandwich. Compared to other items on the menu, those are healthy, right?
Homemade or deli-bought, your seemingly innocuous choice could be dangerously loaded with sodium. Consuming too much salt is a leading cause of high blood pressure, which is a major contributor to heart disease and stroke.
“In the American diet, the bulk of sodium comes from restaurant food and foods that are prepackaged,” said Dr. Sandy Charles, a cardiologist at Novant Health Heart & Vascular Institute - Charlotte.
It’s easy to think since something doesn’t taste salty, or you’re not heavy-handed with the table salt shaker, you’re avoiding sodium.
But it’s stashed in many of the foods we eat regularly, accounting for up to 70% of the sodium we consume.
Some foods that are high in sodium may surprise you:
- Breakfast cereals (e.g., Special K, cornflakes, Coco Pops).
- Tomato sauce or pasta sauce.
- Soy sauce and Asian stir-fry sauces.
- Vegetable or meat stocks.
- Canned vegetables and legumes.
- Bread.
- Baked goods (muffins, cake, doughnuts, etc.).
- Soup.
- Instant pudding.
- Cottage cheese.
Being mindful of how much sodium you consume is important, Charles said. For instance, if you have a salad, don’t top it with croutons or a creamy dressing.
The U.S. Food & Drug Administration recommends that adults eat no more than 2,300 milligrams of sodium each day as part of a healthy diet. That’s the equivalent of 1 teaspoon of salt.
About 90% of Americans older than age 2 consume too much sodium. The average daily intake for Americans is 3,400 milligrams.
Why is sodium so prevalent? It enhances flavor, preserves freshness and can improve the texture and appearance of food.
However, Charles said there are alternatives to limit your sodium without sacrificing taste.
Her suggestions include:
- Eat fresh foods that you prepare.
- Choose frozen foods that don’t contain sauce.
- Use canned vegetables that are labeled “no salt added."
- For flavor, season with fresh herbs like oregano, basil and parsley. Try onion, garlic and ginger, too.
While limiting sodium is important in preventing cardiovascular disease, Charles said it's simply part of an overall strategy. Key steps include eating plenty of fruits and vegetables for nutritional value, exercising regularly, decreasing the stress in your life and getting enough sleep.
“It’s about taking a balanced approach,” she said. "Make your overall wellness approachable. That's really the key to sustaining healthy habits."
Novant Health's Heart & Vascular Institute offers nutrition counseling services, cardio-pulmonary rehab and cancer wellness.
