Sodium
Salt, also known as sodium chloride, is used in food production, food preservation and as a flavor enhancer. It is found in many foods in the grocery store, restaurants and naturally in foods. It is an electrolyte that can affect blood pressure and fluid balance. It is also involved in the transmission of nerve signals and aids in muscle contraction.
Too much sodium in your diet can make you thirsty and make your body hold on to fluid. If you have kidney, heart, or liver problems this extra fluid causes swelling, makes your heart work harder, and can make it harder to breathe. Eating less sodium can help manage these problems.
The blood pressure connection: About one-third of people are sensitive to sodium (found in salt). Eating foods with too much salt can result in high blood pressure and increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. Since our diets are generally high in salt, everybody - even those with normal blood pressure - can benefit from reducing salt intake.
If you are living with high blood pressure or want to help prevent it, you can self-refer to a dietitian in your community area by contacting your local ACCESS Centre.
For a list of ACCESS Centres in Winnipeg, click here. Or talk to your doctor or health care provider about referring you to a Registered Dietitian.
More Information
- Get the Scoop on Salt – Unlock Food
- Cut out the Salt – Unlock Food
- A DASH of Healthy Eating Can Help Control Blood Pressure – Unlock Food
- Heart and Stroke Foundation Healthy Living – Reduce Salt
- Heart and Stroke Foundation Healthy Living – The DASH Diet to lower high blood pressure
- Dial-a-dietitian
- Find a dietitian in Winnipeg
Recipe and Meals Ideas
- Heart and Stroke Foundation Healthy Living
- Recipe Makeover: Reducing Sodium in the Kitchen – Unlock Food
- Low Salt Shopping Tips
Are you interested in group education?
Check out the Health Management Group Program Guide for upcoming sessions.
- Heart Health Essentials
- Eating for Heart Health
