Salt has become a somewhat controversial topic in many households. While some absolutely adore it, others avoid it at all costs in fear of excess. Yet, sodium, one component of table salt as we know it, is essential to the well functioning of our body, especially because of its roles in the transmission of nerve impulses and muscle contractions. It’s really a matter of balance! Indeed, a sodium overconsumption can cause adverse effects on health such as an increased blood pressure, which can lead to hypertension and, consequently, to higher cardiovascular disease risks. What about you? Do you eat too much salt? Excess Sodium in Our Diets According to Health Canada, most Canadians consume about 3 400 mg of sodium daily, which is double the adequate intake of 1 500 mg per day. The tolerable upper intake set by Health Canada (so the threshold that should never be exceeded) is of 2 300 mg per day, which is the equivalent of a teaspoon of salt. Too Much Salt in Transformed Products Did you know that 77% of the sodium consumed domestically comes from transformed products and food sold in restaurants? Interesting fact to remember when grocery shopping: salt added during the preparation of food or at the table represents only 11% of the daily sodium intake. Check out the nutrition labels on the product to see if it contains little (5% (or 115 mg) or less than the daily value) or a lot (15 % (> 345 mg) or more than the daily value) of sodium. Eat fresh foods! The million-dollar question: what contains sodium? This mineral is mostly found in transformed products such as cured meats, bread, and canned foods. To easily reduce your sodium intake, focus on consuming less of those products on a day-to-day basis. Caution! Fast food and canned foods, such as fish, contain a lot of salt! If those foods make up a large part of your diet, making informed choices will help you reduce your intake significantly. Eating more fresh products and less transformed ones is your best option to consume less salt.
