Healthy Sodium Levels for Optimal Wellness

By Donna Stark

We all want to eat healthy, but that doesn't mean we want to give up our favorite comfort foods. And because of this, we may not pay attention to the amount of salt we consume on a regular basis. When was the last time you checked the amount of sodium your favorite foods contained? And what steps do you take to keep track of it all? Like most everything else in life, balance is key. If you would like to improve your overall wellness and maintain that healthy balance when it comes to your sodium intake, keep reading! Your local chiropractors at The Joint Chiropractic have some great information to share.

Why You Should Watch Your Sodium Intake

Elevated levels of salt can cause your body to retain fluid, which can have a negative effect on your heart and raise your blood pressure. You have to pay attention to your daily intake if you want to reduce your risk of these serious health conditions and you can do so with the following tips.

• Eat natural foods - You will find that most foods naturally contain sodium, but there are some vegetables and fruit that don't contain much of it at all, so take the time to do your research. When you find the ones you enjoy, start replacing the other high-sodium foods immediately. For example, you can grab a pear instead of a bag of chips when you pack your lunch. In addition to reducing your sodium intake, you will increase the amount of fiber and vitamins in your diet by doing so.
• Track it - If you really want a simple way to track your levels, download an app that tracks sodium intake. Simply enter the amount you consume at each meal or snack time and watch the app subtract it from your recommended daily amount. It couldn't be any easier!
• Keep an eye on restaurant meals - You already know that fast food is loaded with salt, but did you know that some of your other favorite "healthy" restaurant options are too? Those bowls of soup and plates brimming with salad that you love can be just as bad as a burger, so before you go out to eat, hop online and check out the restaurant's menu. Many will have the sodium levels of each meal listed. If not, try another place to dine.

Balance for a Healthy Body

For your body to function well, you need to have sodium in your diet. However, too much salt can wreak havoc on your overall health and wellness. That's why it is so important to know how much salt a healthy amount is for your body and why you need to stay on top of it. It could make all the difference in the world for you!

To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Orlando, Fla.