A low-sodium diet is recommended for weight loss and general health. It prevents bloat from water retention and guards against many diseases. Choose fresh unprocessed food and use natural herbs, spices and other salt-free seasonings to enhance flavor.
One of the more effective ways to lose weight is to go on a low-sodium diet. This is because high sodium makes your body retain water, resulting in bloat and added pounds and inches. High sodium also increases your risk for hypertension and diseases of the heart, liver and kidney. On the other hand, a low-sodium diet not only eliminates all these but also makes food less tempting and protects you from over-indulging.
What is sodium and where is it found?
The mineral sodium occurs naturally in meat, fish, poultry, eggs, milk and cheese. It is also found in high amounts in salt, monosodium glutamate and many other seasonings. Processed food and fastfood are usually high in sodium. Even soda, as in soft drinks and baking soda, contains sodium.
The human body needs only a minimum of 250 milligrams of sodium per day and you should not exceed 2,400 milligrams or a teaspoon of salt a day. Since sodium already occurs in fresh unprocessed food, you ideally need not add salt to anything.
Of course, salt is added to flavor food and enhance its taste. Take note that we are referring to a low sodium diet here, and not a no-sodium diet. You need not totally remove salt from your diet. Just drastically minimize your use of salt and explore other ways to add flavor and taste.
You can perkup your food with natural herbs and spices, including fresh or powdered garlic, onion, ginger and pepper. The juice of lemons and limes and other citrus fruits have also been used for ages, as well as various types of vinegar. You can make up your own combinations or try commercial salt-free seasoning mixes for different types of food.
Sometimes, you cannot really tell from taste alone whether or not certain food contain high sodium. Many canned or frozen food are notorious for this. They may not seem too salty to your tastebuds but can actually make you exceed your daily limit with just a few servings. Always check food labels and opt for those with 140 milligrams of sodium or less per serving. Remember that you will be eating several meals a day and it adds up.
At home you can easily have control over how you prepare your food, but what happens when you eat out? Some restaurants will accommodate requests for special diets as long as you ask nicely when you order. Take note of such restaurants. They deserve your patronage and your body deserves the care.
For general health and well-being, the low-sodium diet is recommended. It will not only make you feel better, it will also make you look better with no undesirable side effects, except maybe having to spend for a wardrobe in smaller sizes.