In addition to being a fantastic flavor enhancer, salt is also crucial for maintaining the proper balance of water and minerals, nerve and muscle function, and flavor. However, consuming too much of it can result in a variety of health issues, including high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and calcium loss. Since many of us fail to limit the amount of hidden salt in our namkeens, cookies, sandwiches, soups, and other packaged goods that are high in sodium, many of us consume twice as much salt as is advised. This excessive salt can have a disastrous impact on your health over time. In order to manage diseases like high blood pressure and even kidney problems, it is crucial to reduce salt intake.
You can avoid a variety of health problems by reducing the amount of salt in your diet. Here are some advice from experts on lowering salt intake.
1. Limit intake of packaged foods
Reduce your consumption of packaged foods in storage and cans that are high in sodium for presentation. No salt added labels are preferred.
2. Don’t use table salt.
Restrict the amount of salt you add while cooking and avoid adding extra salt to your food. If at all possible, you should refrain from adding salt to foods like chappatis and rice.
3. Limit consumption of seafood
To avoid consuming too much sodium, limit your intake of saltwater fish and seafood.
4. Consume fresh produce and fruits.
To reduce sodium intake, choose fresh fruits and vegetables over canned and frozen meals from the grocery store shelves.
5. Prepare food rather than ordering it
Reduce the amount of takeout and opt to prepare similar meals at home instead.
6. Add seasonings and spices
Garlic, onion powder, cumin, ginger, black pepper, coriander leaves, nutmeg, parsley, thyme, rosemary, dry mustard or dill, oregano, bay leaf, lime juice, and amchur are some spices or seasonings that can be used in place of salt.