If you have been recommended a low sodium diet, then here is some information to help you cut down amount of salt in your diet. Just read on.

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Low Sodium Diet

Sodium is an important ingredient for body’s proper functioning. It controls the overall fluid balance and maintains the blood pressure. A diet high in sodium content can elevate the blood pressure level that can lead to several health hazards like fluid retention in the body causing swelling of feet. People who are suffering from hypertension and other heart diseases are recommended to strictly follow a low sodium diet to avoid risk of developing life-threatening diseases. Patients with kidney problems are also prescribed low sodium diet for similar reason. High sodium diet can also collect water around the lungs and lead to shortness of breath. A low sodium diet is an eating plan that features minimal amount of salt intake. A low sodium diet doesn’t mean you have to eat some special foods. If you often eat out, try to eat more home cooked meals. You can control the sodium intake by eating home cooked food. To learn more about low sodium diet tips, read through the next sections.

Low Sodium Diet Tips

A low sodium diet doesn’t mean you have to cook some special food for yourself. It means you have to just cut down the salt amount from your diet.
Avoid eating salty food like salted potato chips, salted cashew, salted peanuts etc.
Use less salt in cooking.
Softened water contains added salt. To minimize salt intake, avoid softened water for cooking and drinking.
Keep away the salt shaker from your table.
Go creative and use different spices, herbs, lemon, wine etc to jazz up your food.
Avoid sauces like soy sauce that has high sodium content.
While shopping look for low sodium products.
You can ask your physician for a recommendation of salt substitutes.
Low salt diets shouldn't contain more than 1 teaspoon (2,300 mg) of sodium per day.
Read ingredient labels to identify foods high in sodium when shopping for different food products. High-sodium food additives include salt, baking powder, brine or other items that say "sodium," such as monosodium glutamate (MSG).

High Sodium Food

Smoked, cured, salted or canned meat
Fish or poultry including bacon, cold cuts, ham, frankfurters, sausage, sardines, caviar and anchovies
Frozen meats, burritos and pizza
Bread and rolls with salted tops
Quick breads, self-rising flour, biscuit, pancake and waffle mixes
Pizza, croutons and salted crackers
Prepackaged, processed mixes for potatoes, rice, pasta and stuffing

Low Sodium Food

Any fresh or frozen beef, lamb, pork, poultry and fish
Eggs and egg substitutes
Low-sodium peanut butter
Dry peas and beans (not canned)
Low-sodium canned fish
Drained, water or oil packed canned fish or poultry
Milk, yogurt, ice cream and ice milk
Low-sodium cheeses, cream cheese, ricotta cheese and mozzarella
Buttermilk
Regular and processed cheese
Cheese spreads and sauces
Cottage cheese
Fresh vegetables
Frozen vegetables without sauces
Low-sodium canned vegetables, sauces and juices
Fresh potatoes
Frozen French fries and instant mashed potatoes
Low-salt tomato or V-8 juice.
Fresh fruits
Fruit juices
Milk shakes

If your doctor has recommended you low sodium diet as a part of a treatment, these tips will help you to eat smart and keep a check on your daily sodium intake.