Did you know many people may be confused about the difference between sodium and salt? Sodium is not salt, but ordinary table salt (the chemical name which is nacl or sodium chloride) is nearly half sodium. (One quarter teaspoon of table salt has approximately 530mg. of sodium). Sodium is a mineral essential to the life of man. It occurs naturally in all foods and in most of its food forms. It can not be seen or often even tasted. Yet, it is a mineral powerful enough to cause serious illness if the body gets more than it can handle or less than it needs. A certain amount of sodium is necessary for optimal health and well being and everyone requires a certain amount of it every day. Most foods contain some sodium either because the sodium is naturally present or because it has been added in some form. Sodium combined with other chemical elements, may be added to foods as they are processed or prepared. Whether sodium or these sodium combinations have been added to foods is best recognized by carefully reading food labels. If the label contains the word “sodium” or “soda”, or the chemist symbol for sodium “Na”. Here is a list of some compounds to be concerned with: Salt, baking soda, baking powder, Brine, monosodium Glutamate (accent). Did you know there are certain types of medications contain sodium al kalizers (for indigestions such as bicarbonate of soda, rhubarb and soda) antacids, antibiotics, cough medicines , laxatives, pain relievers, sedatives, tooth pastes, sedatives, tooth powders , and mouth washes, Water contains sodium. Generally, the department of water and power can provide information regarding the amount present in your area. American Heart Association recommends the use of tap water if no more that 5 milligrams of sodium is in each eight ounces; distilled water should be used in the severe sodium restricted diets. Table salt and highly salted food are eliminated on all sodium restricted diets. Food which naturally contain moderate amounts of sodium restriction such as meat, milk and eggs, are limited- the amounts depending on the level of sodium restriction. Food containing salt, such as breads and fats, are also limited or eliminated. Eating healthy can help lower health care cost.
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