High blood pressure affects many seniors putting them at risk of heart disease and stroke. The risks are much higher if they have diabetes also.
Researchers also found that there was no measurable difference in salt intake between people who had been advised to lower their salt intake and those who had not received any medical advice on salt intake. Lead researcher Umed Ajani, an epidemiologist with the National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Promotion, has concluded that simply advising patients to lower their salt intake may not be enough and that more education in nutrition was needed.
Sodium (dietary salt)intake was computed from the food and drink participants reported eating in the 24 hours before the survey. They were also asked if their doctors had advised them to lower the amount of salt in their diets.
The biggest problem they identified is that most people do not understand that regular table salt is not the only source of sodium in the diet. Remember food does not need to taste salty to be high in sodium. "Table salt is sodium chloride, but other chemicals containing sodium, such as monosodium glutamate (MSG), sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) and sodium benzoate are used in foods as flavorings or preservatives."
It is very important for consumers to learn to read food labels, looking at the amount of sodium in the foods they are buying. Using less pre-packaged and processed foods is another important step in reducing the amount of sodium in the diet. Fresh fruits and vegetables are low or sodium free. Salt is often used as a flavor enhancer for cooked vegetables. Less salt is needed if vegetables are not over cooked (which removes flavor).
If you still need help in sorting out your diet you may want to talk with a dietician. A dietician can provide you with resources for lowering the amount of salt in your diet and reducing your risk of high blood pressure. You can also look at the DASH diet.
12/21/05
