sALT

 The US government is taking action to lower the recommended salt intake.  Salt is a necessary mineral.  Your kidneys naturally balance the amount of sodium stored in your body for optimal health. When your sodium levels are low, your kidneys essentially hold on to the sodium. When sodium levels are high, your kidneys excrete the excess in urine.  But, if for some reason your kidneys can't eliminate enough sodium, the sodium starts to accumulate in your blood. Because sodium attracts and holds water, your blood volume increases. Increased blood volume makes your heart work harder to move more blood through your blood vessels, which increases pressure in your arteries.1  When you are holding water you are holding weight.  

Water is pretty heavy when you think about it.  I can always tell when I have eaten out.  I feel heavy and a lot of that is from the amount of salt that is used.  I read that they are actually creating laws to reduce salt amounts in processed foods over a period of time - gradually so it will not be a huge change all at once.2  The recommended amount per day is 2300 mg per day with the new changes being no more than 1500 mg per day. 1  I read that we consumer anywhere from 3400 to over 5000 mg per day on average.  Ouch!

Processed foods, or foods already assembled for you (frozen, canned or boxed whether for breakfast, lunch or dinner) are the biggest offenders when it comes to salt.  A can of condensed soup can offer 2225 mg of salt, although per serving the label reads 850 mg.3

So, look for ways to cut your salt intake.  It is vital to our health.  Start to read labels and you will soon be a pro.  Season your foods with herbs like garlic or things like lemon.  Buy frozen veggies and season them with Mrs. Dash.  Small changes can really add up!

Sodium equivalents

1/4 teaspoon salt	= 600 mg sodium
1/2 teaspoon salt	= 1,200 mg sodium
3/4 teaspoon salt	= 1,800 mg sodium
1 teaspoon salt	= 2,300 mg sodium
1 teaspoon baking soda	= 1,000 mg sodium

1.  http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/sodium/NU00284
2.  http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/04/19/AR2010041905049.html
3.  www.myfitnesspal.com