Let Go of Your Salt Addiction!
By Donna Stark
In the grand scheme of life, it wasn't too long ago when salt was considered an extremely valuable commodity. So valuable that people used it for trade, currency, and even religious offerings. If you had some, you used it sparingly. And if you had a lot? Well, you could probably count on good fortune in your future. So yes, it was a good thing to have a stockpile of salt back then, but now, it's a completely different story. Today, we consume more salt than what is good for us and unfortunately, our health is paying the price for it. It's time we go back in history and start using our salt a little more sparingly. Are you up for the challenge?
Too Much Salt
Even though your body needs salt to function properly, it doesn't need the large amounts that the average person consumes on a daily basis. Too much sodium in your diet can have significant effects on your overall health and wellness. Take a look.
- Water retention - Salt makes your body hold on to water and that extra water can elevate your blood pressure to unhealthy levels.
- Complications - When your blood pressure is high, it can cause serious complications with your heart, kidneys, and brain. These can lead to heart attacks, strokes, and kidney disease.
Reducing Your Salt Intake
Most people don't even question if their food actually needs salt. It's just become one of those mindless habits we do without even thinking. The challenge is to pay attention to the amounts you consume every day and to reduce the unnecessary "shakes" of the salt shaker sitting on your dining room table. Here are some tips on how to successfully reduce your salt intake.
- Read the nutrition label on your pantry items
- Eat out less often or try to always eat foods with the lowest amount of salt
- Avoid purchasing prepackaged and processed foods
- Prepare your own meals
- Buy fresh meats, fruits, and vegetables
- Rinse canned foods (such as beans, tuna, and vegetables)
- Add spices to your food in place of salt
- Reduce portion sizes
Establishing Healthier Habits
Saving your salt isn't going to make you rich, but it will improve your overall health and wellness, and you certainly can't put a price tag on that! And even though your food may seem bland without the extra salt at first, don't give up! Your taste buds will adjust and you will start to enjoy food naturally, without all of those extra shakes!
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Loganville, Ga.