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You may want to keep your eyes peeled the next time you are at the grocery store. Many people don't know how much hidden salt gets packed away in your everyday groceries. Items that are notorious for these high sodium contents are canned items and other processed foods like frozen meals.
On average, the world's population consumes 2,400 to 4,600 mg of sodium a day, or about 1 to 2 teaspoonsful. American's, however, typically consume approximately 4,000 to 6,000 mg (about 2 to 3 teaspoons) of sodium per day. In fact, American's eat over 50% more sodium now than in the 1970's. This increase is very alarming. With the increase of sodium content in our food products, high blood pressure, heart disease, and death from either of these complications has also increased.
So what can you do about this problem? First, start by watching the sodium content in your groceries by reading the food labels. Try to buy low- or reduced-sodium products, non-processed foods, and fresh produce. You may also try to rinse the contents of your canned goods upon opening to remove approximately half of the salt.
Reducing sodium intake may be challenging, though. Approximately 80% of the typical American's daily sodium consumption comes from processed foods and restaurants. For this reason,
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the American Medical Association (AMA) and the Center of Science in the Public Interest have made proposals to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to reduce the amount of sodium that is added to processed foods and restaurant foods.
The proposal made to the FDA requests that the GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) status for sodium be revoked. If the FDA were to approve the proposal, all sodium-containing products would have to be approved by the FDA before they could be sold. This approval process would provide an avenue for the government to mandate lower sodium content in the processed foods that this nation consumes on a daily basis. Possible regulatory measures that may be considered include standardized, color-coded labels for easy salt content identification (i.e. red = high, yellow = moderate, and green = low) or reformulation of products to meet the set standards.
Not feeling like you need or want to lower your sodium intake? In Finland, where efforts to reduce sodium content began in the early 1970's, a 40% reduction in sodium intake over a 30-year period has reduced the average blood pressure by 10 mmHg and decreased death due to stroke by 80%. These are impressive beneficial effects!
The AMA stated that a reasonable tar
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get would be a 50% reduction of sodium in processed foods, fast foods, and restaurant meals over the next decade. This salt reduction would take place gradually so that it would not shock the American palate. However, it is important to note that at this time it is only a proposal. The FDA has not previously placed a priority on regulating sodium, so it is not time to worry that your food will be changing anytime soon. It would be wise, given the proven benefits of lower blood pressure and decreased incidence of stroke, to watch your sodium consumption and try to limit your daily intake.
*For additional information talk with your physician or pharmacist. You may also find helpful information on this topic by visiting http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_pnih/is_200112/ai_702873676.
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