Having a healthy life is based on a balanced diet and regular exercise. Currently, the hectic movement of life makes difficult to have healthy habits. However, with a bit of discipline, there is much we can do to contribute to our health.
Salt, as seasoning, can enhance the flavor of our foods; however, it is believed that eating a low-sodium diet will prevent the development of hypertension and other salt consumption diseases which damage to our body.
Bigger amounts of salt cannot be eliminated by our kidneys, so it accumulates in our blood system, drawing water and increasing the circulation of the blood volume. This triggers high blood pressure because the heart needs to work harder to move the blood in our body.
Researchers have found a direct link between high sodium diets and high blood pressure in testing subjects groups. Julieta Ponce, nutritionist at a Food Guidance Center (COA) said that the World Health Organization (WHO) is concerned about sodium intake in patients with hypertension problems. Moreover, this organization provided detailed reports in which sodium is proven to be essential for the human body electrolytes that balance the liquids, and in turn, blood pressure, but when there is an excessive ingestion, it blocks the free passage of the blood flow. Ponce warns that “If you remove the salt table, you are only diminishing from 10 to 15% of the total sodium consumption; whereas if you eliminate processed food, you will be erasing 75% of the sodium from your diet”
As a fact, precooked food contains more sodium because it is used as preservative which does not allow bacteria to reproduce. The same rule applies to sausages and canned food, therefore, it is advisable to avoid its continue consumption.
As a final remark, it is desirable to eliminate bouillon powder which is added to soups and stews, because in this way the risk of developing hypertension is reduced. Eat lean meat as chicken and fish rather than the canned or smoked version. Incorporate fresh fruits and vegetables to your diet.
The habit of using additional salt in the table is acquired, thus, it is up to you to reduce salt intake as much as possible. In the kitchen, use herbs, spices or lemon juice as condiment instead of salt.
Undertake a healthy lifestyle requires a change in our eating habits. You cannot live without salt, but most certainly, you can regulate it. If you want you can!
Reducing salt consumption is not an easy task because we are used to add salt to improve the flavor of our meals. Perhaps the solution to this issue is to incorporate different spices to avoid salt but maintain flavor.